Protection in a Pandemic
The Sundarbans are made of mangrove islands, separated by rivers that merge into the ocean. Known for the Bengal tiger, these mangroves are as beautiful as they are dangerous. On one such isle lives 14-year-old Urvasi*...
The Anti-Trafficking Warrior Who Will Fight Against ‘Anything’
“I love to meet the group because we learn different things,” says Sumona. “I also feel secure coming to the group. If anything happens, we can get help from the group.” If anything happens? What is this ‘anything?’
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Screaming for Help
Kumari* is 15 and studies in the 10th grade. She is part of a World Vision ‘Girl Power Group’ where she learned how to protect herself from abuse. She was taught three steps: she must scream, she must get away, and she...
My Sister is Missing
Jamila is the leader of the Jorna (Bengali for “waterfall”) Girl Power Group (GPG). The GPG meets every Sunday afternoon and they dutifully sign their names in a register. “In case some girls don’t show up, we go to...
As Safe as a Girl Who Plays Football
| Maya (center) back on the field |
“They used to say in my village, that we should not play football (soccer) because it is a boy’s sport,” says Maya. “But I learned that it is my right.”
Maya turns 18 this year...
Girl Power Groups Prevent Trafficking
| Dipa reflects out her window |
Dipa is 17 years old - a tall, yet petite girl, very shy and soft-spoken. One day not so long ago, she was lost in the bustling city of Delhi. She was hurrying back to the home...
This is Not a Place for Children
| Children are busy with their homework at the CFLRC |
When you walk into Kolkata’s largest red-light area, you will end up in an open space with some colorfully painted walls. The paintings have an elephant...
Girl Power Stops a Child Marriage
| One of Basanti's Girl Power Groups |
“As a neighbor, I saw the wedding related activities and got suspicious,” says Rojina, a 16-year-old from a village in Basanti. She knew Ajmira from school and was concerned...
Self Help Groups empower women living in Indian slum
| The women of various Self Help Groups |
Dharavi is Asia's second largest slum. It is a very congested place with narrow lanes and hordes of people. They compete with motor vehicles and push carts to get in or...
