In a society where gender roles are rigidly defined and opportunities are unequally distributed, young girls often find themselves fighting battles that should not exist. The discrimination, restrictions, and biases against girls persist, making the path to education, employment, and self-respect an uphill climb. The “Awaz Hamari” campaign, initiated by the Centre for Youth Development and Activities (CYDA), is changing that narrative in Yerwada, Pune. By creating a platform where young girls can express their thoughts, voice their concerns, and build their futures, Awaz Hamari is empowering a generation to challenge gender stereotypes and redefine societal norms.
In many underprivileged communities, girls face daily injustices—harassment, restrictions, and lack of opportunity—yet remain silent due to the absence of a platform to speak out. Recognizing this, CYDA launched the Awaz Hamari campaign to bridge this gap. Its primary objective is to empower young women by providing them with the tools and confidence to stand up for their rights. Through workshops, training sessions, and community activities, the campaign fosters gender sensitization, life skills development, digital literacy, and career guidance.
The campaign specifically targets girls aged 16 to 24 from minority and marginalized communities in Yerwada and Tadiwala. It creates a safe space where these young women can freely discuss their experiences, share their challenges, and explore solutions. This nurturing environment is not just a platform for expression but also a springboard for action. Awaz Hamari has become a loud and unapologetic voice advocating for gender equality.
One of the key focus areas of Awaz Hamari is encouraging girls to break into professions traditionally dominated by men. In families and communities, the roles of women are often predetermined, and certain jobs are deemed unsuitable for them. The campaign challenges this division by offering training in non-traditional livelihoods such as driving, mobile repairing, machine operation, plumbing, and computer skills. These efforts not only equip young women with skills but also dismantle the societal barriers that limit their potential.
Take the story of Chaitrali, an 18-year-old girl whose journey epitomizes the transformation Awaz Hamari seeks to inspire. Dreaming of becoming a soldier, Chaitrali joined the campaign and found a supportive community that shared her aspirations for change. Enrolling in a training academy in Moshi Gandharva Nagri, Pune, she completed her 11th grade externally while dedicating herself to the cause of empowering girls.
From a young age, Chaitrali questioned the restrictions imposed by both her family and society. Her participation in Awaz Hamari gave her the knowledge and confidence to challenge these norms constructively. “Before joining Awaz Hamari, I always felt angry and helpless about the injustices girls face,” she said. “But through this platform, I learned about constitutional rights, legal frameworks, and how to approach problems with resilience and strategy. Now, I can speak out without fear and help others do the same.”
Chaitrali’s determination and the skills she acquired have inspired other girls in her community. Her story serves as a beacon of hope, illustrating how education and awareness can transform individuals and entire neighborhoods. By working with families and involving them in gender sensitization sessions, Awaz Hamari ensures that the change is not limited to individual girls but extends to the community as a whole.
The campaign’s impact goes beyond training and awareness. It has created a network of young women who support each other, share resources, and work together to create a gender-just society. Through activities like legal awareness sessions, leadership workshops, and mentorship programs, Awaz Hamari is not just raising voices but also building leaders.
In a world where the odds are often stacked against them, the girls of Awaz Hamari are proving that change is possible when voices unite. They are challenging stereotypes, stepping into roles traditionally reserved for men, and shaping a future where gender equality is not just a dream but a reality. CYDA’s Awaz Hamari campaign is more than a platform; it is a movement—a loud, unstoppable force for change led by the young girls who dare to dream and act. (The article contributed by Pirya Pharande, Manager, Youth Development Program, CYDA)
