Project Ikhtiyaar

A training and education initiative by Noor Dixit, Advita Singh and Neha Talla from

Inventure Academy along with the support of Mr. Kishen Whabi

What is Project Ikhtiyaar?

Our aim is to educate and empower girls in underprivileged societies regarding their ability to cope with, report and

physically defend themselves against abusers.

Problem Definition

a. Significant number of unnoticed and unreported cases of abuse.

b. Inability to physically defend and remove themselves from abusive situations.

a. Lack of knowledgeb. Lack of skillsc. Social stigma

a. Ability to identify different types of abuse and defend themselves.

b. Knowledge of reporting crimes, child welfare committees and social stigmas.

Current State

Gap

Future State

“If I am put in an uncomfortable situation, I would feel embarrassed

and afraid.”

Our Pilot

What we planned to do.

• Work with the children of Inventure housekeeping staff• Contacted Ramagondanahalli Government school via Sumedha Rao• Took 1 awareness session

What we did

• Started with a questionnaire• Activity on personal space and boundaries. • Informal discussion about different situations, sharing stories• Took feedback and suggestions, talked about their expectations• Ended on a fun, positive note, they were very excited to see us again!

Our learnings

Our Observations

• The questionnaire showed us that they had more knowledge than we expected; Child helpline, police contacts etc.

• The personal space activity showed that they understood the meaning of boundaries and how to define them.

• In a physically restrictive situation some responded by freezing or panicking whereas some were eager to fight back.

• In an incidental situation, they were comfortable contacting their parents, teachers and even the police.

• They were extremely happy with our activities and looked forward to the physical defense sessions.

What went right?

● Identifying problems they faced and their background● Friendly connection with the girls● Tested their prior knowledge ● Got their opinion on the problem● Developed a better understanding of personal space

What needs Improvement?

● The language barrier made communication difficult● Getting permission from the government school.● Syncing multiple schedules.

How will we incorporate these learnings into our project?

• Customise our curriculum based on our group assessment• Set sessions in blocks • Allow for adequate time gaps for communication.

Future Plans

How do we plan on expanding?

● Visit the Local Police Station

● Hold sessions with boys about eve teasing, what they can do to help, positive masculinity and abuse that they face.

● Include it in local government schools curriculum.

How do we plan on expanding?

● Collaborate with the Parikrma ‘Retaining the Innocence’ team○ Share a common curriculum ○ Organise a walkathon

● Reach out to NGOs such as Enfold to hold the awareness sessions.

Funding

• Fox 40 whistles for participants• Short Term - Rs.15,000• Hiring NGOs to hold sessions• Hiring trainers to expand scale

Questions and Feedback