TYCL International plans to support 20 rural girls (first-time interstate travelers) from Puducherry, Cuddalore and Viluppuram districts of Tamil Nadu to learn leadership skills by traveling in north India. Girls will get a ten-days learning opportunity to plan, travel, network, meet new people, cross-cultural experience, and journaling the leadership journey in a gender lens. TYCL will cover the orientation, food, accommodation, medical insurance, and travel expenses estimated by the girls.
TYCL has conducted off/online study to identify the top five issues faced by girls in the Puducherry region. The following five responses were received from the girls: 1. Insecure to travel alone/fear of going alone, 2. Fear of stalking and harassment at anywhere and anytime, 3. Fear of dowry causing mental health issues, 4. Forced marriages/Fear of getting married soon 5. Denial/Restriction to undergo higher studies outside of Puducherry.
There is a very strong fear among girls towards men, their parents, and society. These fear factors spoil their courage, creativity, compassion in life. In order to build young girls as strong knowledge-based resources in society, there is a need to create a safe space for girls to explore the world and learn leadership skills. The proposed travel program will develop girls' self-esteem and courage, and build their skills in setting boundaries, dealing with conflict, and de-escalating violence.
The project will give cross-cultural exposure to 20 rural girls who haven't travel in the past. This opportunity helps 20 girls to come out of their fear of men and society and help them to take courageous decisions for their own life. The project will help 20 girls to explore inner abilities and leadership skills to practice for their own and family development.
