Empower 300 girls to end gender based violence

Dear Global Givers,

We are delighted to share that our One Team One Dream initiative is expanding, thanks to your generous support. With your contributions, we are now reaching 10 villages and 10 urban slum pockets, actively engaging girls, boys, and women in transformative programs that empower them to challenge and overcome gender-based violence.

We are proud to share that girls from our football program have been selected to compete in the Calcutta Women's Football League (Kanyashree Cup)—a testament to their resilience, confidence, and growing leadership. Here’s an update on our achievements from November 2024 to January 2025, demonstrating how each initiative fosters gender equality and creates pathways to end gender-based violence.

Expanding Our Reach to Break Cycles of Oppression

The Rakshan/One Team One Dream project operates in South 24 Parganas District, focusing on Baruipur Block, covering Hariharpur and Mallickpur Gram Panchayats. What started in just three villages has now expanded to ten villages and ten urban slum pockets (Para), with outreach extending to the Sundarbans region, where girls are now accessing our training programs. Expansion means more girls are being equipped with tools to challenge gender norms and assert their rights.

Gender Awareness Training: Building Resistance to Gender Inequality

We have trained 281 girls and 80 women on gender concepts through engaging tools and interactive methods. Additionally, 50 boys have undergone training in local schools, helping to shift mindsets that perpetuate violence and discrimination.

The Adolescent Reproductive Health and Rights (ARSHR) training further empowers girls with knowledge about puberty, menstruation, contraception, family planning, sexual orientation, and LGBTQIA+ rights. With three out of five modules completed, 50 girls have gained critical insights, enabling them to make informed choices and resist harmful practices like child marriage and sexual exploitation.

Empowering Girls Through Sports: Challenging Gender Norms

Sports play a transformative role in dismantling gender-based discrimination. Through 21 football coaching sessions, 52 girls have built strength, confidence, and teamwork skills—qualities essential for self-advocacy and challenging gender violence.

Recognizing the girls’ interest in basketball, we secured a female basketball coach to train them twice a week. This initiative, launched in December 2024, provides not just athletic skills but also a safe space for girls to reclaim public spaces traditionally dominated by boys.

Digital Literacy: Enhancing Girls' Independence

Girls often face restrictions on digital access, limiting their knowledge and opportunities. To break this barrier, we partnered with a local computer training institute, enrolling 14 girls in a six-month certified digital literacy program. Equipping girls with digital skills enhances their ability to seek information, access online safety resources, and resist digital exploitation.

Improving Access to Quality Education: Breaking the Cycle of Dependence

Early assessments revealed that girls in higher grades (Classes 8-10) struggle to cope with school, making them vulnerable to early marriage and economic dependence. To address this, we collaborated with Pratham to assess literacy levels and create targeted interventions in English, Bangla, and Mathematics. By strengthening their academic foundation, we ensure girls stay in school longer, gaining the knowledge and independence to resist gender-based violence.

Theatrical Skills: Finding Voice Against Violence

A senior theatre artist conducted workshops for 30 girls, using theatre as a tool for self-expression, confidence-building, and emotional healing. These sessions encouraged girls to explore self-worth, articulate aspirations, and confront personal fears, providing an emotional outlet for those experiencing violence at home or in their communities.

Psychosocial Counselling: Healing Trauma and Restoring Dignity

Many girls in our program face stress, trauma, and depression due to domestic violence and societal pressures. Our counselor provides one-on-one support, helping girls navigate mental health challenges, build resilience, and regain self-confidence—critical for those breaking free from abusive environments.

Livelihood Initiative: Economic Empowerment as a Shield Against Violence

We train 40 women in stitching and embroidery, equipping them with skills to earn an income. This initiative is more than economic empowerment—it provides a safe space for women to share experiences of domestic violence, seek support, and build financial independence, reducing their vulnerability to abuse. Initially, some women attended in secrecy, but now they assert their right to work and make their own decisions—a major step in shifting power dynamics in their households.

Looking Ahead: Strengthening Girls’ Leadership and Expanding Opportunities

We are committed to expanding our impact by:
Organizing exposure visits and residential training camps for our football girls
Enrolling more girls in digital literacy programs
Arranging visits to theatre shows in Kolkata to enhance their skills
Conducting leadership training for girls and women

Your Support Fuels Change

Every contribution you make strengthens our mission to empower girls, dismantle gender-based violence, and create safer communities. We extend our heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support.

With gratitude,
Team iPartner India