Vidyasthali students champion Gender Equality: Street play engages over 4000 people
 

Vidyasthali students champion Gender Equality: Street play engages over 4000 people
 
Vidyasthali students champion Gender Equality: Street play engages over 4000 people
Lucknow desk (R L Pandey).A Nukkad Natak on Gender Equality was presented by children from Vidyasthali Kanar Inter College, Malihabad, a unit of Study Hall Educational Foundation (SHEF) on 4th and 5th October at Charbagh, Alambagh Bus Stand, and Kaiserbagh Bus Stand. Jaya - Project Coordinator, Lucknow ChildLine, Arvind Pandey - Station Director, Charbagh, Preeti from Family Counseling Center, Lucknow, Swarnima Singh, Counsellor, Suraksha Family Counseling Center, Dinesh Kumar - Station Director, Charbagh, Jameela Khatoon and Rajesh, Assistant Regional Manager of Bus Stand were present at the occasion. Over 4000 people witnessed the Nukkad Natak. The play was organized under SHEF’s annual girls’ right’s campaign - India's Daughters Campaign (IDC), aimed to raise awareness around gender-based discrimination. Students from classes 9-12 students of Vidyasthali performed to inspire a collective effort towards a more equitable society. Over 2000 people showed their support through a signature campaign.

Chirag, a student of class 12th, said, "It's important for us, as men and boys, to engage in open conversations about gender equality. We must understand how patriarchal systems limit opportunities for women and girls— but for us as well. We can change and create an equal and just society by working together and challenging patriarchal norms.”

Jaya, Project Coordinator at Lucknow ChildLine, emphasized, "It’s crucial that we all come together to support this cause. If anyone needs to report a case of child abuse, we are always here to help. I encourage everyone to speak up against any injustice they witness."

Swarnima Singh, Counsellor, Suraksha Family Counseling Center, said, “As a society, real change starts from our homes. We need to educate our boys, instill respect, equality, and empathy from an early age. By addressing these values at home, we can challenge the deep-rooted societal norms that lead to inequality. It’s not just about raising awareness in public spaces but also about creating a shift in mindsets within our own families. This is where the foundation for lasting social change truly begins”

Priyanka Saxena, Program Manager of IDC, emphasized that, “While empowering women and girls is crucial, we cannot ignore the other half of the population—men and boys. To effectively address gender equality, it is essential to involve men and boys in discussions about these issues. Engaging them in conversations will help foster understanding and collaboration, ultimately leading to a more equitable society for everyone.”

The plays’ impact could be seen when Lucknowites stopped by to watch the mesmerizing performances. While some of them contributed to the dialogue, all of them applauded the students’ efforts in putting up the plays.

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