Parents Change their Attitude

[Jayashri Kamble]

Under Avani organization, work is going on in the village Nandwal under the project of gender equality through SALT. After some time it was decided to have a knowledge fair program.

At that time, Rituu came to Nandwal in April 2023 while doing SALT training with the children. As they were  hesitating to speak,  she asked the children if they would like to share about their village through drama. At first the children were very shy but everyone encouraged them a lot. Then they went to the adjoining room, discussed the issues of the village amongst themselves and within 15 mins two groups shared the issues through drama. The children were very emotional when they performed because they were sharing what they experienced in their lives.

A few days later there was a Knowledge Fair in May 2023. We thought about whether we can stage a children's play in this and after discussing with the children we decided to stage a play with them and when the children were asked if we should perform a play on the issues happening in the village, the children said yes, such as the burning issues that are happening in the society like the battle for existence, the damage caused by alcohol, the gender discrimination. It was decided to take up the topic of discrimination against girls and the children worked hard on this and performed a play in the Knowledge Fair program.

At this time, the parents of the children, Gram Panchayat and all bodies also came to the Knowledge Fair program. Parents learned from people from outside the state that people's participation is very important in doing anything, and they were very happy that children from their village were also participating in it. Parents realized that they themselves should encourage children as parents.

Now parents do not refuse to send for any program in the village, whether it is a boy or a girl. In our streetplay we have 18 children. Parents of 8 children - parents of 5 girls and 3 boys were not ready to send their children to any activity of avani. Because they thought if their children engage in Avani's activity that affects their study and some parents did not allow girls to participate with boys in any activity. But when they saw the play they realised how their children act very well and the subject they raise in play is very important and this builds their leadership. So now they send their children freely for Avani's activity.

[M.L. Prabakar]

Congrats Avani team and congrats to the great influencers "the children". I see this as great potential among the children and the parents. A significant step towards a greater impact. Thanks to the Avani team for offering a platform for these children and to Rituu who identified Drama as a valuable expression of the children's emotions.

[Dr. Suresh Sundar]

👌👍
Steps in the future could be to evolve solutions to alcohol abuse, etc .

[Rituu B. Nanda]

The shift in parental attitudes marks the beginning of a transformative journey in gender dynamics. As change emanates from individuals and families, its impact is profound.