Hello Everyone !
My name is Ratan, and I have been a teacher for over 10 years in a small rural village school. I have always believed that education is the key to changing mindsets, especially in rural communities where gender inequality is often deeply rooted. That’s why I was thrilled when RSKS India came to our school to conduct their “Humari Awaz Suno” campaign, which focused on promoting gender equality.
The workshop began with a session on gender equality, led by the RSKS India team. They used flipcharts and storytelling to explain the concept to the 50 girls in our class. The stories they shared were impactful, as they illustrated real-life examples of how gender equality can bring positive changes in families and communities. The girls were able to grasp the idea that both boys and girls have equal potential and deserve equal opportunities, which was an eye-opening moment for many of them.
After the workshop, the children were divided into five groups of ten. Each group was given drawing sheets and asked to illustrate their vision of gender equality. As I walked around, I could see their creativity blossoming. Some girls drew pictures of boys and girls studying together, while others depicted men and women working side by side in fields or homes. One drawing particularly stood out—of a girl holding a book in one hand and a briefcase in the other, symbolizing how women can pursue careers and education just like men. The children then presented their drawings to the rest of the class, explaining the message behind each one. It was inspiring to hear how they envisioned a world where gender equality was the norm, not the exception.
Following the drawings, the girls participated in a public rally in our village. They carried posters with slogans like “Gender Equality for All” and “Let Girls Dream Big”. It was a proud moment for me as a teacher to see these young girls actively advocating for change in our community. The rally sent a strong message to the villagers, who were moved by the passion and confidence of these students.
As part of the campaign, the girls also participated in a signature campaign, pledging to always support gender equality. Each girl wrote a personal commitment to promote fairness and respect for both genders in their daily lives. The final part of the campaign involved the “My Selfie” initiative, where each girl took a photo holding a sign with a message about gender equality. It was a fun and empowering moment that captured the spirit of the campaign.
At the end of the event, the children were rewarded with chocolates, colors, and pens, which put smiles on their faces. I am deeply grateful to RSKS India for organizing such an impactful program. It was an unforgettable experience for both the children and myself. I believe that this campaign has planted the seeds for a more equal and respectful future for our community.