"My mother treats my brother and me differently. He receives new clothes for every festival and event, but my sisters and I are never treated the same. We're always reminded that we are girls, and it's our brother's right to have new things first, not ours," says Tanisha a seventeen-year-old girl.
Growing up in Taimoor Nagar Community, Tanisha had always felt the weight of gender bias both at home and in her community. While her brothers received special treatment and privileges, Tanisha was restricted to traditional gender roles, limiting her aspirations and opportunities. Despite her efforts to express her discontent, she struggled to make her voice heard.
Tanisha says her life took a turn when Ridhima, a programme officer at Martha Farrell Foundation introduced her to the Kadam Badhate Chalo (KBC) program. Initially hesitant, she decided to give it a chance. Through KBC, Tanisha learned about gender equality, discrimination, and violence. She found a supportive community, where she could freely express herself and learn from others.
As Tanisha attended more sessions, she gained confidence and began challenging societal norms both at home and in her community, she says, and started sharing her knowledge with her friends and family, gradually breaking down barriers and gaining their support for her aspirations."I started ignoring comments made about my choice of clothing and wore what I like. I have noticed a significant difference in my parents' thinking; their opinions have changed because I began questioning things I didn’t before. Now, they allow me to step out of the home and encourage me to participate in sessions," says Tanisha.
With time, Tanisha became a catalyst for change in her surroundings. She influenced her peers to join her in advocating for gender biases and creating a safe environment for all in their community."After one of our sessions, we decided to set up a poster in the community where everyone can learn about child sexual abuse and the reporting mechanism under the POCSO Act, 2012. It felt like we were doing it for the greater good, and anyone who sees it will gain some knowledge, which could be helpful to someone at least. It makes me happy." says Tanisha
Tanisha's story serves as an inspiration for others to challenge unfair practices and strive for a more inclusive and equitable society. Through her journey, she proves that with determination and courage, anyone can become a powerful advocate for change."If we want to see a change in society, the first step is to bring change within ourselves and our families. For instance, we should communicate with our fathers and brothers about how certain situations make us feel. Once, we all came together and put up a POCSO poster in the community to raise awareness.
Through such initiatives, we can educate people about violence and emphasize that girls are also human beings who deserve to be treated with respect. I feel very positive about being part of this program. I've learned about societal norms, violence, and discrimination. As a KBC leader, I want to raise awareness in and outside my community and share whatever I have learned with others" says Tanisha.
Tanisha, who is 17 years old, and now a KBC leader in the Taimoor Nagar community and has been a part of the programme for this cohort shared that initially, she found it very challenging to come outside of her house to attend the sessions, as well as wear clothes of her liking. But eventually, she started sharing her learnings from the sessions with her parents and has seen a significant shift in their mindsets as well.
Tanisha shared- "I have noticed a significant difference in my parents' thinking; their opinions have changed because I began questioning things I never thought of before. Now, they allow me to step out of the home encourage me to participate in sessions and let me wear whatever I love"
