Sahil is a 15-year-old boy from Jaurasi Government School. He just completed ninth grade and moved to tenth grade. Sahil learnt about the Kadam Badhate Chalo (KBC) programme when, Sonia, a field coordinator of Haryana introduced him in eighth grade. Sahil found himself drawn to the programme even when many of his classmates left it after one or two sessions. The programme opened up conversations about the prevalent gender biases in our society, something Sahil says he had been ignorant of before.
Sahil recalls his most memorable session which was held in a community centre and focused on awareness through games. “I didn't know anyone there, but it felt refreshing to meet new people and learn new things. That day, I realised how prevalent gender bias is in our society, especially in the lyrics of contemporary songs, which often portray girls in a derogatory manner,” Sahil says.
Sahil contributes his new awareness about popular culture to KBC; he gradually stopped listening to popular songs that normalise harassment. “I've witnessed gender bias both in my village and in cities,” he says. “People often pass judgments based on how boys and girls dress, despite it being a personal choice.”
He says that he used to judge girls based on their clothing too, but not anymore. The programme, he says, has taught him to respect individual choices and not discriminate based on gender. For instance, he used to hesitate to grow his hair long because he feared ridicule, but recently, he did it without any shame. Even when his friends mocked him, he became more accepting of himself and others.
Sahil also started standing up against gender-based discrimination. He remembers an incident when he intervened in an argument where some people were judging a girl's attire in his locality, but his father stopped him from getting involved. “That day, I realised that violence starts in our minds, through our words and actions,” he says.
Advocating for responsible behaviour in both online and offline spaces, Sahil believes that social media worsens issues relating to discrimination, with people engaging in virtual conflicts without considering the consequences. He requests his friends to refrain from making derogatory comments about girls, sending random requests, and stalking people. “All of this leads to violence,” he says.
Sahil says that he noticed a positive change in his school environment after the implementation of the KBC programme. The programme helps schools to set up child protection committees while taking into consideration safety measures to create a safer and more inclusive learning environment for all students.“I firmly believe that KBC has equipped me with the tools and mindset necessary to pursue my dreams and to bring a positive impact in my community. I am committed to fostering an inclusive environment where violence against girls and women is never tolerated,” he says.
To reach a wider audience and make a greater impact, he will actively advocate for equality and strive to bring about positive change. “While I acknowledge that it is currently unsafe for girls to be out late at night, I believe that with increased police presence, these spaces can become safer for everyone,” Sahil observes. He adds that the awareness of the POCSO Act should not be limited to students in government schools but should also be extended to private schools. “Every household needs to educate themselves about what is right and wrong, particularly when it comes to safeguarding their children,” he says.
Over the years after his close association with the KBC programme and his own experiences, he learned to challenge gender stereotypes, and advocate for equality – fostering a culture of respect and understanding.“By sharing my experiences and encouraging others to embrace change, I hope to contribute to building a more equitable society for future generations,” he remarks.
