I Am With My Daughter: Youth Meetings on Violence Against Women and Girls Gets Parental Support

“I was wrong in not sending my daughter earlier. I couldn’t understand what was going to happen in these meetings. Now I am really happy that my daughter is part of this KBC youth group. I am with her.” -- Babita, mother of a young girl in Muzaffarpur, Bihar


13 May 2016 marks the one-year death anniversary of Martha Farrell, whom we lost to a terrorist attack in Afghanistan. Martha dedicated her life’s work to women’s equality and taking her ideals forward, a youth seminar was organized in Muzaffarpur, Bihar under the Kadam Badhate Chalo (KBC) initiative (undertaken in collaboration with Martha Farrell Foundation).

Around 40 youth attended the meeting. The youth discussed their understanding of violence against women and girls, and what role the group can play. Sanjay Kumar, a KBC youth leader from Motijheel area, suggested that the group should perform a street play on the topic in all the wards. Sashank suggested preparing an audio-visual presentation of statements by KBC youth committing to the purpose of stopping violence against women and girls. These videos can then be used to sensitize other youth to this issue. The list of those who will be participating in the sports camps to be held was also finalized.

Three parents were also part of the meeting. They were earlier not ready to send their daughters to such meetings. At the end of this meeting, none of them had any objection to sending their daughters to future KBC meetings. Parental support is crucial for youth to raise their voice on the issue of violence against women and girls in their families, in society and in their cities.