DUB Speak

End the cycle of violence on this International Day of the Girl Child

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It was a conflicting emotion that we all went through when UN announced its theme of International Day of the Girl Child for 2014, Empowering Adolescent Girls: Ending the Cycle of Violence. The International Day of the Girl Child was recognized in 2011 and now in 2014 we still are at war to end this cycle of violence against women and girls. The good part is that we have recognized it and adapted it to some extent and are working towards a significant change.

It is not an easy life for a girl in Delhi, India or anywhere in the world. Being paranoid and at alert at all times has become an almost natural state of our being which definitely indicates to the stressed state of mind we live in. To change this lifestyle, to not be so afraid at all times, to be able to express oneself without being overwhelmed by the pointed fingers requires a tremendous amount of hard work but just a simple change in the mindset and acceptance.

The issue can never be solved in the offensive. Increase in severity of punishments, being covered at all times are short battle won but the war can only won victoriously when we focus on the adolescent. The minds which have yet to be hardened by society’s ideology, these minds can be protected and made aware of their rights, become activist, be the beginning of a generation which does not need a day to protect its girls.

At a student’s level our contribution can go beyond the customary likes and posts on the social media. It needs effort, may take time out of our social life but in the end it is worth it. I have mentioned below a few organizations that you can approach if you are really interested in contributing towards the empowerment of adolescent. If you do take it up, I promise you will not only help in their empowerment, you will definitely come out as a stronger person.

Know Your Body, Know Your Rights: The YP Foundation

‘Know Your Body, Know Your Rights’ (KYBKYR) is a youth-led and -run national policy and peer education programme, founded in 2002 by The YP Foundation, that empowers young people to address their sexual and reproductive health and rights. The key focus of the KYBKYR programme is to build young people’s technical capacities to access unbiased, evidence-based information on gender, sexuality, health and rights, enabling them to negotiate cultural and political barriers faced at both community and policy levels.

For more information, click here for their website
For the Facebook page: KYBKYR

Jagori

Jagori means “Awaken, women”. Their objective is to have awareness building on violence, health, education, development, and other issues critical for women´s individual and collective empowerment.  They also disseminate information and knowledge on feminist concerns to meet the needs of women´s groups, NGOs, and development organizations and advocate on women´s rights and gender equality.

For more information, click here for their website

Because I am a Girl: Plan International

Through the Because I am a Girl campaign, Plan‘s projects attempt to address the barriers to girls completing a quality education of at least 9 years, as well as equip them with the assets they need to safe guard their future, promote gender equality and improve their lives. The campaign aims to reach 4 million girls directly – improving their lives with access to school, skills, livelihoods and protection. You can sponsor a girl child and also make a donation.

For more information, click here for their website

Bachpan Bachao Andolan:
Bachpan Bachao Andolan (BBA) symbolizes India’s largest grassroots movement for the protection of children, ensuring their quality education. By 2013, BBA had rescued more than 82 800 victims of trafficking, slavery and child labour and has helped them re-establish trust in society and find promising futures for themselves.

For more information, click here for their website

 

Feature image: http://becauseiamagirl.ca

[email protected]; Niharika is a journalism student. She loves new stationary, vintage collectables and the smell of expensive coffee. She can usually be found lurking between the dusty shelves of the library.

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