In the heart of a bustling South Delhi resettlement district, 16-year-old Sanjana is challenging the notion that age can hinder empowerment.
She stands among several hundred determined teenagers who have wholeheartedly embraced the transformative ‘Safer Cities for Girls’ programme. The initiative focuses on ensuring the safety and well-being of girls and young women in the Gautampuri.
The NGO Plan India spearheads the project in the colony with support from RYTHM Foundation. It provides beneficiaries access to designated safe spaces to freely move without fear of harassment or violence.
The programme encompasses various components, including educational workshops, self-defence training, and community outreach efforts to foster awareness about the importance of women’s safety.
Sanjana has become a trailblazer in the programme, embodying the transformative potential of empowering other young individuals.
Initially dedicated to her academic pursuits and enrolled in a programme to become a professional coach, Sanjana’s routine changed when she discovered the opportunities that Plan India’s resource centre offered.
“I found my voice by engaging in discussions, activities, and meetings,” says the once-reserved teen.
A pivotal moment unfolded when Sanjana’s parents expressed their intention to withdraw her from the coaching institute, citing the need for funds for her brother. Undeterred, she advocated for her right to continue the course.
Her tenacity not only highlights the programme’s influence but also underscores its role in nurturing resilience and empowering girls to assert their rights.
Sanjana has excelled as an advocate for Safer Cities for Girls, earning recognition as a ‘Digital Expert.’ She has spearheaded numerous digital safety walks, championing the well-being of girls online and offline. She has also acquired self-defence skills and shared her expertise with 25 other girls.
“I am dedicated to supporting the well-being of girls like me. I want to enable them as I have been enabled,” she adds.
Sanjana’s journey aligns with the broader success of Safer Cities for Girls, which has empowered more than 750 girls and boys to actively prevent and respond to gender-based violence.
Three public parks in the area have been made safer for girls and women as a testament to their efforts. They have also identified and addressed several dangerous parts of the colony, such as dark corners and streets.
The 36-month initiative with RYTHM since 2022 aims to impact at least 12,000 people, primarily adolescents aged 13 to 18, their families, and government officials.
As one of the many faces of this transformative movement, Sanjana symbolises the potential for positive change within Gautampuri, proving that empowering young individuals can play a pivotal role in reshaping community dynamics and fostering a safer environment for all.