Gender-based violence and discrimination against women and girls are pressing issues in India, particularly among the youth. With an estimated 230 million boys under 18, addressing their attitudes and behaviors is crucial for achieving gender equality. The "Gender Education" program aims to engage boys aged 13-17 from low-income communities, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to challenge harmful gender norms and promote a culture of respect and safety for women and girls.
Problem Statement: In India, a significant number of young men justify violence against women, contributing to a cycle of discrimination and violence. Existing efforts to address gender-based violence often overlook the role of boys in this dynamic. Our program aims to fill that gap by providing targeted education and support for adolescent boys, ensuring they become allies in the fight for gender equality.
Objectives:
1. Equip boys with knowledge and skills to challenge existing gender norms.
2. Foster peer support and leadership among participants.
3. Promote safety and empowerment for women and girls in the community.
Program Components:
Mentorship: Trained mentors will facilitate safe and supportive training environments for boys.
Curriculum: The program will cover seven thematic areas: Human Rights, Gender, Boyhood to Manhood, Sexuality, Relationships, Violence, and Taking Action.
Engagement: The program includes games, training events, and collective action projects.
Implementation Plan
Duration: 12 months
Program Structure:
Community Engagement: Conduct outreach to identify participants.
Cycle Breakdown: Each program cycle lasts 15 weeks and includes:
- Two Game Events
- Eleven Training Sessions
- Two Action Events
Session Schedule: Sessions held weekly for two hours in existing school and community spaces.
Participant Goals:
Enrollment: 100 boys across 4 villages (25 boys per cycle).
Graduation: 60 boys (based on participation criteria).
Team Structure
The following team members will oversee and implement the program:
1 Mentor: Responsible for delivering sessions and providing guidance to participants.
2 Program Manager: Oversees the overall program implementation and evaluation.
Integration and Sustainability
Hariraj Charitable Trust has a strong foundation in the target communities. Previous pilot programs have received positive feedback, demonstrating the need for ongoing engagement with boys on gender equality. We wants to expand those efforts, ensuring sustainability through community involvement and continuous dialogue.
The "Gender Education" program offers a critical intervention to engage boys in preventing gender-based violence and discrimination. By equipping them with the necessary tools and knowledge, we can foster a generation of advocates for gender equality, creating safer and more equitable communities for women and girls.
