Young girls' fight for equality through sports

Dear Global Givers,

A very happy 2021 from all of us at iPartner India.

We are happy to share an update on iPartner India’s intervention to empower young girls by
training them to become footballers and pursue a career in sports. Your support has been
crucial in helping the girls’ team continue with their football practice amidst the global
pandemic.

As you are aware, most of the girls from the slums of Rajabazaar in Kolkata, West Bengal
have restrictions imposed on their movement and on their choice of careers. iPartner India
is giving these girls an opportunity to make informed choices through a series of gender
workshops and career guidance sessions.

The aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and the lockdown have posed significant
challenges. Most activities were put on hold, especially football matches and the weekly
practice sessions for the girls. Our team on the ground along with the coach
managed to guide the girls through online exercise sessions. Within the available limited space at their homes, the girls practised, proving that with motivation anything is possible.

Another challenge was for those girls in high school who needed support regarding their
education and career. A workshop on Adolescent Reproductive Health and Rights was
organized, which helped the girls address some of the challenges posed due to the closure of
schools due to the pandemic.

Meet Shahina, who is currently pursuing her 12th grade. She lives in the slum colony of
Rajabazar in Kolkata with her younger brother and parents. Her mother does stitching work
at home and her father is a street vendor. She joined Roshni Youth Group two years ago and
she is also part of the all-girls football team.

Shahina is passionate about playing football and enjoys doing exercise. When she first
joined she did not take the game seriously but today she is one of the strongest team
member and wants to set an example for girls in the community that girls can achieve
anything that they set their hearts and minds on.

The year 2020 was a big challenge and a struggle as both her parents lost their livelihood
and providing for the family was very difficult with no jobs. Her family had no work, money
and food.

Through your kind support, she has been provided with balanced nutrition such as fruits,
health drinks and protein to help her stay fit and active.

She regularly practices her game and is looking forward to start playing competitive matches
soon. Shahina wishes to become a lawyer so that she can help women and girls in her
community to fight for their rights.

Thank you, Global Givers for believing in our work and for your continued support. As
always, we’ll approach the challenges that 2021 brings with the same determination, focus,
and willingness to innovate that has served us well in the past.

Happy New Year once again.

With deep gratitude,

iPartner India Team