Participants were introduced with participatory research methodology. Once conducting a participatory research project were learned, boys and girls went on to design and conduct a rapid assessment among their friends and families.
Participating adolescents were aided to metaphorically associate their life with a flowing river. This deeply reflective exercise allowed the girls and boys to reflect on their life – hurdles and happy memories and trace it along with the river’s course.
Adolescents are confronted with a wide range of issues that can range from dealing with changes to their physical appearance to being accepted in friendship groups. This is further exacerbated by experiences of gender based violence.
The purpose of this session was to deconstruct notions of gender into simple relatable concepts. Unboxing gender in this manner is a powerful method that allows both the boys and girls to develop their own understanding of gender, it is empowering in the realisation of it being a social construct thus dynamic and changeable.
Based on the outcomes of ‘River of Life session’ where each participant talked about their career aspirations, a series of workshops on career aspirations was conducted. External career counsellors were invited to conduct these workshops.
A large part of the project focuses on enhancing leadership among both boys and girls to take action on creating safe spaces within their schools, and communities in order that girls may be able to able to access available opportunities to further their education and choice of career without fear of harassment.
With current situation, children are finding it increasingly hard to cope with loneliness, fears about the coronavirus or a loss of the routines and support that come with school. Poetry writing workshops were conducted with both boys and girls. Expression through poetry helped boys and girls to face their fears, apprehensions, pain and vulnerabilities. The girls expressed their vulnerabilities in their homes during lockdown, violence, restrictions on freedom, patriarchy, gender roles and dreams of better futures. Participants have written many poems on gender discrimination, violence against women and girls; drew paintings and created creatives with the help of canva app.
PRIA conducted a session on gender based discrimination with 94 adolescent girls of class 9th at Government girls’ senior secondary school, Dwarka. In the session, participants agreed that gender based discrimination persists in our society; they shared their viewpoints by giving examples. It was doubtful to assume whether they are facing it or witnessing it, but it was clearly evident that gender based discrimination was present.
To deepen the understanding of gender roles and stereotypes, MFF conducted session on gender stereotype with 90 girls of GGSSS, Kakrola (Dwarka). In the session, students were given some statements which were gender specific in nature (as set by society) and it was left to the students to decide whether they agree or disagree with it.
Girls should not stay outside late in the night, good girls come home early. However, it is ok for boys to stay outside late in the night”. This was the general perception of the participants during the session. The session was conducted with 84 adolescents girls at GGSSS, kakrola (dwarka) to introduce the concept of gender. The objective of the session was to make them understand the difference between sex and gender. The session was done through an activity called “gender relay".
Nothing is important than having a positive sense of self-esteem and to love who we are. It is very important to develop a strong sense of self - a self who is confident, empowered and responsible. Loving and respecting ourselves helps in shaping our personality. Likewise leadership is equally important and it plays a crucial role in reinforcing our viewpoint in more impactful manner
After the sessions on Psychological changes, it was important to build understanding of the students on Body Changes which takes place both externally and internally. Therefore training sessions on Body changes were conducted with the students.
Puberty is the transition of an individual from childhood to adulthood. Aside from the physical changes, the emotional changes are the most difficult. Therefore training workshops on 'PROCESS OF GROWING UP' was conducted with the students to support them during their puberty. Teens discuss a great deal of information and unfortunately spread a lot of misinformation to each other. These sessions were designed for them to ask questions of which they are unsure of, and will act as a resource for information on topics such as puberty, psychological changes, behavioral changes, and also positive acceptance of self.
Communications is fundamental to the existence and survival of humans. It is a process of creating and sharing ideas, information, views, facts, feelings, etc. among each other. Good communication helps a person to adjust to the physical and social aspect of life. It also improves good human relations. Good communication skills, including speaking, listening, body language, eye contact etc., are essential and it should be developed in a person from the beginning.
