According to the National Crime Record Bureau (NCRB), crimes against women in India witnessed a concerning rise of 15.3% in 2021. Among the states, Uttar Pradesh recorded the highest number of cases with 56,083 reported incidents.
At the heart of our intervention lies the crucial task of challenging regressive social norms. By actively promoting gender equality, tackling harmful stereotypes that restrict the freedom and mobility of women and girls, and engaging in community action, we strive to create a society that fosters respect, dignity, and safety for all.
through two verticals: Unmukt Adolescent Program and Unmukt Changemakers Fellowship
Gender-synchronised programming addresses the needs of both men and women, utilising both single and mixed-gender groups strategically to transform gender norms.
Our goal is to bring people together to address issues of inequality and social norms perpetuating violence, which continue to divide them by gender.
Both men and women shape and perpetuate gender norms in society. True social change will only come when all members of society are engaged in the process of change.
Engaging adolescent girls and boys through a sports-based behaviour change curriculum.
Young women and men will be trained to implement a behaviour shift by instigating dialogues on the cause/effect of violence on women and girls’ lives.
Youth champions to be trained as peer leaders to use community tools like women safety audits to make public spaces safer for women and girls.
Why girls?
- Adolescent girls are one of the most at-risk groups when it comes to sexual violence, abuse, and exploitation.
- 1 in 3 women have experienced physical or sexual violence by an intimate partner, or sexual violence by a non-partner, in their lifetime.
- Gender inequality has led to 30% of women in India experiencing gender-based violence since the age of 15 years.
- Out of the world’s 130 million out-of-school youth, 70% are girls. Families in many societies still send their sons to school before their daughters.
Why boys?
- 25% of men are either likely to be or have been involved in rape
- 50% of men have either used or are likely to use physical violence
- 57% of men aged 15-19 justify violence against women
- 5% of organisations working to end gender-based violence engage men and boys
Building a network of grassroots women leaders!
Changemaker fellows from diverse backgrounds building community knowledge and awareness on violence against women and girls in public spaces in rural Uttar Pradesh.
Months fellowship program to co-create a transformational leadership journey, engaging community stakeholders through social action projects and women safety audits.
Building and strengthening the leadership, people and organisational skills of changemakers to address the narratives and impact of violence against women and girls.
Equipping changemakers with knowledge on gender-based issues, gender equality and social inclusion framework.
Preparing changemakers with design thinking principles to address issues faced by women and girls in their community to create innovative social action projects for impact.
Implementing and leading social action using collective community strength to build a movement at the grassroots.
Anita,
Adolescent
“Being a girl we’re always told to keep quiet. But now I know we don’t need to. Before I joined the program, I was not confident. After coming to the sessions I have learnt to communicate with confidence and voice my opinions.”
Adil,
Adolescent
“Girls face gender discrimination. Boys can go anywhere, but girls can’t. Through programs like Unmukt, we can raise awareness around gender equality. We need to educate communities that girls are also equal.”
Vineetha,
Changemaker Fellow
“I never knew I would lose my husband at a young age. I was lucky I was educated and could work. I want to use what I have learned at Milaan to ensure all the women in my village can create the same safety net for themselves.”
Breaking the Silence
to End Violence
An investment of INR 3,500 or USD 45 supports
life-skills-based leadership training for every
adolescent.
Breaking the Silence to End Violence
Our Commitment to SDGs
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