Role of a father in nurturing strong daughters

[Rituu B. Nanda]

SALT and CLCP in villages where Avani is working in Kolhapur, Maharashtra is illuminating examples of  strong women and girls. The number is low but it's there.

One such example is family of Anil Patil from Village Nandwal. His daughter and niece are both being coached to enter the police services. Notably, his niece, who is married, defies societal norms by wearing jeans, a taboo for girls in the community. When asked why they participate in SALT meetings, his niece observed that her personal growth alone is insufficient; other girls in the village have to come forward for community's progress. Anil's daughter highlighted how SALT has facilitated her ability to connect with peers and form a strong bond with other girls.

One of the most influential persons in their lives is Anil Patil. He is an example that fathers do not only fulfill material needs. Fathers can be instrumental in improving the lives of girls and women. Both the girls said that he raised them to believe in themselves, to pursue their dream and thus, they helped to create a generation of strong women. I asked him what has been the challenge. He said that the family has been a target of criticism and taunts from neighbours, community members and relatives. How did he deal with this? 

Empowerment of women starts at home, and often when father teaches his daughters that they are as capable as anyone else. Father also has to be strong enough to deal with societal backlash as he challenges traditional gender roles and stereotypes. He said that his strategy is don't be distracted by criticism. Take it as given that people will criticize you. So, keep your critics near you. Listen to them patiently and prepare yourself to answer through your actions. Pooja one of the team member during this SALT visit shared a couplet by Baba Kabir -Nindak nihare rakhiye, aangan kuti chhaway; Bin pani bin sabun, nirmal kare subhav.

(Give your critics shelter in your courtyard and listen to the criticism without annoyance, because critic is not your enemy, he is helping you to clean the rubbish from your life without soap and water.)https://www.speakingtree.in/allslides/om-nindak-nihare-rakhiye-aang...

In conclusion, a supporting father in a girl's childhood can have long-term consequences that last far into adulthood. SALT conversations by Avani smile team in families are contributing to strengthen these relationships

 

[Rituu B. Nanda]

Thanks Santi. I am lucky to have met your father., who has brought up a brilliant daughter like you!

[Santi rambari]

Thanks for your wonderful article.  Father is a hero in your writing.  Who goes through great odds himself to make his daughter succeed.  I found my father in your writing.  He is my hero.  They made me study against the relatives of the society.  Thank you for the beautiful picture.