Keep Girls in School & End Child Marriage in Pune

In a small village in Pune district, change began not with a protest or a government order, but with the rising courage of 15 young girls. Once shy and held back by deeply rooted social norms, these girls had never imagined their voices could reshape mindsets generations old. With guidance from Nirman, they slowly began to find their strength.

Through child parliament groups, leadership sessions, and workshops on rights, equality and gender-based violence, the girls learned something powerful: that their voice mattered. They began questioning harmful traditions, speaking openly about issues that had long been whispered about in fear, and understanding that change often starts from within.

That confidence culminated in a striking moment on 27th June 2025. At the Arogyawari programme, organised by the Maharashtra State Women's Commission and Pune Zilla Parishad, the girls performed a street play on dowry deaths in front of a gathering of more than 1,000 women — mothers, daughters, grandmothers and community leaders. The performance was raw and unfiltered, portraying the harsh realities faced by young women trapped in the dowry system. Many in the audience fell silent, some in tears — some had lived these experiences themselves, others feared their daughters one day might.

Moved by the girls' courage, the Hon. Dattatray Bharane, Maharashtra State Cabinet Minister, stood before the crowd and made a public declaration: "I will neither give nor take dowry, and I will encourage others to follow the same principle."

For girls who had once avoided speaking even at small village meetings, this was more than applause — it was a victory over fear and silence. As one of the girls put it: "Thanks to Nirman's training, our confidence has grown. Now, we can speak fearlessly on social issues and demand change."

Today, these young changemakers continue to run awareness sessions, inspire other children, and challenge discriminatory practices in their village — a reminder that with the right support and belief, children can spark change that adults have long struggled to ignite.

Thank you for helping make movements like this possible.