After three years of determined community work, the South Delhi Safer Cities for Girls programme has officially ended. What began as an effort to make streets safer for young women in the Gautampuri resettlement locale has evolved into a community-led movement.
Jointly implemented by RYTHM Foundation and Plan International (India), the initiative empowered adolescents in the area to reclaim public spaces, challenge unsafe norms, and drive change through advocacy and awareness.
“Every girl deserves the right to move freely without fear,” says Santhi Periasamy, Head of RYTHM Foundation. “This project has shown that safety grows when communities unite around their young people.”
From Fear to Confidence: Gautampuri’s Transformation
Visible changes have taken root in the dense lanes of Gautampuri, where safety was once a daily concern.
Girls now attend evening classes without hesitation, while boys who once stayed silent about harassment have become ‘Champions of Change,’ promoting equality and mutual respect in public spaces.
The project mapped unsafe areas, worked with authorities to install better lighting and improve policing, and created trusted spaces like the ‘Safe House,’ where youth could meet, learn, and organise activities.
These efforts turned a community once marked by unease into a place where collective responsibility and confidence now thrive.
Youth and Families Take the Lead
The project’s conclusion was recently marked by a two-day workshop with nearly 400 participants, including youth leaders, parents, and volunteers. The event celebrated the project’s successes while passing the torch of responsibility to the community.
“Even though this initiative has ended, our work continues,” says Shantra, a Safe House volunteer. “I will keep supporting the youth and community in our mission for safer, more inclusive streets.”
Another participant, Neelam, a mother of a youth leader, adds, “Empowering our children means strengthening our entire community. We will keep moving forward together.”
A Symbol of Ongoing Commitment
At the closing event, each Champion of Change received a reusable water bottle — a small, practical reminder that the next chapter of this work rests in their hands.
As Santhi reflects, “The courage shown by the young people of Gautampuri will continue to shape safer, stronger communities across South Delhi for years to come.”
Though the Safer Cities for Girls project has concluded, its lessons and legacy live on — in the confidence of its girls, the empathy of its boys, and the determination of a community that now owns its future.
