A two-day training program on the prevention of gender-based violence for adolescent girls was organized under the joint auspices of the Bal Va Mahila Chetna Samiti and the Crea organization. Adolescent girls from six villages within the Suwana Panchayat Samiti area participated in the training.
Tara Ahluwalia, the organization’s president, stated that the objective of the training was to inform the girls about the various forms, causes, and impacts of gender-based violence, as well as the available support systems and legal resources. During the sessions, the girls were encouraged to become aware of their rights, raise their voices against violence, and approach the appropriate platforms to voice their concerns when necessary.
   

Shashi Prabha, a subject matter expert from Udaipur, engaged with the girls on various topics over the two days. Moving beyond the notion that gender-based violence is limited to physical abuse, she explained in detail the various forms of violence—including mental, economic, emotional, sexual, and social abuse. The training was made engaging and participatory through group activities, skits, songs, and interactive discussions. These activities aimed to help the girls recognize gender inequality and violence in their surroundings and develop the understanding needed to take safe, corrective action against them. As part of the training, the girls also visited the Women’s Police Station, the Women’s Counseling and Safety Center, and the ‘Sakhi’ Center. During these visits, they learned about the functioning of these centers and how women and adolescent girls can seek assistance in situations involving violence or distress.

By interacting with officials and center staff, the girls gathered information on the complaint-filing process, counseling, legal aid, and other services available to female victims. Upon the conclusion of the training, the girls shared their experiences, noting that their prior knowledge regarding gender-based violence had been limited. The training provided them with the opportunity to understand that discrimination and violence can manifest in various forms within their own communities. The adolescent girls shared, “During the two-day training, we learned a great deal about our rights, gender equality, and the various forms of violence. Group activities, along with plays and short films, made it easier to grasp the subject matter. Visits to the Women’s Police Station, the Women’s Counseling and Safety Centre, and the Sakhi Centre also informed us about where to seek help if we, or any woman or girl around us, face violence. Now, instead of remaining silent in such situations, we will strive to voice our concerns effectively and seek assistance when needed.”

Bhawana Joshi (Creaa GBV Project Coordinator), Aahuti Singh (Counselor), Fellows Rinku Kanwar and Preeti Bairagi, and organization staff members Shyamlal, Parmesh, and Vishal played a significant role in making the training a success.