Over 90 adolescent girls and boys from Kishori Sashaktikaran Kendra (KSK) gathered at Ambedkar Bhawan, Khoda (located on the border of Ghaziabad and Noida in Uttar Pradesh), to observe the International Day of the Girl Child under the theme, "End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls' Rights!" The day highlights girls' rights and the challenges they continue to face.
Hosted by adolescent advisory group members Archana, Lovely, Aditya, Naveen, Ashu and Nisha, the event brought together adolescents, parents, local elected representatives (Sabhasads), frontline workers, an advocate, doctors and community leaders to advocate for girls' education, safety and equality. Through street plays, poems and songs, adolescents highlighted the harmful effects of early marriage and the need to ensure that girls can learn, build confidence and pursue their aspirations.
A key highlight was the presentation of findings from a youth-led community safety audit to local stakeholders. Adolescents called for concrete action to make parks, streets and public spaces in Khoda safe and accessible, strengthen local protection services and build collective responsibility for girls' safety. They urged parents, communities and local representatives to address safety concerns, prevent gender-based violence and ensure that adolescents can access opportunities without fear or discrimination.
Appreciating KSK's efforts, Ms. Lata Devi, Sabhasad, Ward 1, Indira Vihar, pledged her support to making Khoda safe and violence-free for all. She said, "The safety concerns raised by adolescent girls must be addressed collectively. We will work with the community and concerned authorities to ensure girls can move freely and safely. Their voices must guide our efforts to make Khoda safer for everyone."
Ms. Vidya Sevda, Advocate, emphasized the shared responsibility of parents, boys and men in advancing girls' rights. She said, "Creating safe spaces is not the responsibility of girls and women alone. Boys and men must challenge harmful gender norms, respect women's choices and speak up against harassment to build a culture of dignity, equality and respect."
Dr. Alka Bharadwaj, Medical Officer, Ayushman Arogya Mandir, Khoda Village, highlighted the importance of education and a safe, supportive environment for adolescents. She said, "Education, positive friendships and family and community support help adolescents build confidence and achieve their dreams. They must avoid drugs and other harmful habits and use digital devices and social media responsibly to protect their well-being."
The event highlighted how access to skills and new opportunities can strengthen girls' confidence and independence. Geeta, an adolescent working as a screen-printing operator, shared how KSK had enabled her to learn a technical skill traditionally associated with men and boys. "Today, I am earning and contributing financially to my family and have gained confidence," she said.
Ms. Rani, mother of an adolescent, reflected on changing perceptions around early marriage. "Parents marry their daughters early with a sense of duty and for their safety. But now we have understood the challenges and risks young girls face due to early marriage, which can create complications during childbirth too," she said.
Parents also stressed the importance of creating an enabling environment for girls at home. Ravinder Singh, a father who attended the event, said, "Every girl deserves equal opportunities. As fathers, we must support our daughters to study and encourage them to become independent." Seema, a mother, added, "We must raise our children without discrimination and ensure that girls receive the same respect and support as boys."
Adolescent boy Aditya Taank highlighted the role of boys in building respectful relationships and safer communities. "Respectful communication is an important step towards creating a safe and equal environment for everyone. Slang that abuses girls and women must be stopped," he said.
Ms. Sweety Sharma, Senior Project Coordinator, CFAR, stressed the importance of collective action to help girls realize their aspirations. She said, "It is our priority to develop pathways that enable girls to realise their dreams. This is possible only with the support of diverse stakeholders." Shashi Kaur, Project Officer, added, "Collective community support and a violence-free environment will enable young people to study, learn new skills and move forward with confidence."
The event also celebrated adolescents' participation and achievements, with certificates and prizes presented for their performances and contributions to promoting girls' rights. Experts from civil society organizations who could not attend sent video messages highlighting the role of men and boys in advancing gender equality. The gathering concluded with a collective pledge to prevent early marriage, promote girls' access to education and skills, and build a safer and more equal community.
Since 2024, CFAR has been implementing the Advancing Gender Equity and Non-Traditional Livelihoods in Urban Marginalized Communities project, supported by EMpower (The Emerging Markets Foundation). The event was attended by over 90 adolescents, along with parents and caregivers, Sabhasads, an advocate, doctors, Anganwadi Workers and community members.
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