Lucknow: On 24th June 2023, A 5-day gender justice camp held in Sahbhagi Shikshan Kendra ended with a felicitation ceremony for all the participants. The camp was organized by Study Hall Education Foundation’s Aarohini Program in collaboration with Uttar Pradesh Government’s Sarv Shiksha Abhiyaan (SSA) for 86 boys from 43 upper primary government schools in Laharpur block, Sitapur. The ceremony was attended by Mr P.K. Tripathi Joint director of the social welfare department, Uttar Pradesh and Vinod Tiwari, police chief, Saidpur, Bakshi ka Talab.

The purpose of this camp was to make boys aware of gender issues and help them create a gender lens through active discussions and activities thus causing a shift in their mindset so that are able to understand gender disparity, They also learnt that Patriarchy is as harmful to boys as it is to girls. To eradicate patriarchy, boys must join the cause alongside girls. These boys are now prepared to create a safer, more inclusive world for women and girls by educating their parents and community about gender issues and societal injustices, thereby raising awareness.

Addressing the children Mr P.K. Tripathi said  “All of you have been selected by the Study Hall Educational Foundation as champions of gender justice, I know for sure that this camp has taught all of you to be better citizens and instilled values like respect and responsibility in you. Camps like these should be organized in every school !”

Mr Jishan a Student from Laharpur Block Sitapur said  “Patriarchy affects boys as well as girls. We must work towards ending gender discrimination, starting from our own homes by supporting our mothers and sisters Let’s raise our voices together for gender equality. I am very excited to share what I have learned in this camp with my friends.”

“It’s time for boys and men to change,” says Ms Priyanka Saxena, Program Manager, Aarohini Program. She mentions that a remarkable change is seen in the boys that have participated in the camp. These boys are now excited to share what they have learned in the camp with their friends back home and support their mothers and sisters in daily chores. These boys have successfully become champions of gender justice.  

The program ended with the distribution of certificates to all the participants and a group photograph with the chief guests.