As I set foot in Sarawasti Balika Inter College, Lucknow, for the Girl Icon District Level Event, the flurry of activity caught me by surprise. Early in the morning several parents were chatting with each other, while others reassured their nervous daughters that they would be by their side throughout the day. In the corner, a Milaan Project Assistant was instructing some Girl Icons dressed in unifying purple shirts that read “Haq Hai Aur Hosla Bhi” about the scheduled sessions.
As my gaze shifted toward the classroom, I was immediately struck by the brick walls, maroon Milaan bags strewn around the desks and chairs, and comforting books that read “Chamakte Sitare – Girl Icon Journal”.
For one of the first training sessions, Girl Icons wrote role plays about reluctant parents who were wary about educating females, and oftentimes eager to marry their daughters off as young as 15. In this case, the roleplays reflect a bitter reality. Girl Icons undergo intense training in order to become adept at dealing with parents who think their daughters have no dreams, goals, or interest in academics, and are keen on becoming obedient wives who can cook and manage the household. It was encouraging to see the Girl Icons take a stand for girls in their community in a safe and familiar setting and watch as they mustered up more courage with each roleplay practice.
I also had a refreshing conversation with some mothers and fathers who had travelled for hours, many taking time out from their gruelling schedules and navigating public transport in the scorching Lucknow summer, to ensure their daughter attended the training.
By the end of the training, most parents truly believed that their trailblazing daughters’ progress and achievements at Milaan could enable a bigger and bolder movement in their villages, where it is common for girls to quit seeking education after Grade 8. It was heartwarming to see their faces glow with pride and joy as they spoke about their daughters. For them, to see their daughters rise and shine with an inextinguishable flame of passion is beyond invigorating.
I also got to interact with some of the staff members, and one Project Assistant’s story really moved me. She started her journey with Milaan in Grade 9 as a Girl Icon, eventually working her way up to a Project Assistant, but not without hurdles. It took time to garner support from her older brothers who were cynical about her traveling long distances to attend training events. On several days, she left her house at 7 am despite being exhausted from a lack of sleep from the night before as a result of power outages and the unbearable heat without so much as a fan. Himanshi Didi is eager to serve Milaan in more ways in the future. By confiding in me, Himanshi Didi can now safely say that she has a friend in the U.S. who will always have her back and is rooting for her every step of the way.
One thing that Himanshi Didi said that has really stuck with me is that we always look for a job as the end goal of education. If someone completes a certain level of education but struggles to find employment, they are immediately labeled a failure and people are quick to question the purpose of their education. They suggest it’s better to just start washing cars or selling matchsticks on the road from the age of 4 because at least the child is earning some income. But Himanshi Didi pointed out that education teaches us skills – skills which are transferable and useful in every facet of our life. Education shapes the extent and realm of our imagination and hence our capabilities. It is pivotal that we reexamine our view toward education and acknowledge its true value and potential.
It was challenging at times to record interviews with parents and Girl Icons because of loud, disruptive music from an event happening in the school premises. But amid the chaos of it all, the fervor of Milaan’s Girl Icons glimmered with unwavering resilience and brilliance. Each smile and laugh captured was a testament to their enduring strength and commitment and to say I walked away feeling inspired and hopeful would be an understatement.
Author: Aarushi Garg
Intern – Communication
Milaan Foundation