Vikalp"Whom are you waiting for? It is You and only

YOU"www.vikalpindia.org

"Together we dream of a society devoid of all violence, full of peace, equality and wellbeing."

Focus: Ending Gender Based Violence

Strategy: Empowering Women &Sensitizing Men

Why Youth

Energy, Capacity, Enthusiasm, Creativity, Curiosity, questions, answers, Dreams

Understand better than others

Must be part of Solution

Youth and Child/Early Marriage

It is directly connected to them

Girls become more vulnerable

Intervention with, for and through youth

Empowerment of Young WomenEngaging young Men

Engaging Young Brides and Grooms

Activities

National Cadet Core

National Social Service

Young Boys Meeting Leading by Local Volunteer

Schools

Youth Task Force Training

Young Volunteers' Training

Youth Assembly

Changing Social Norms

• Over 1000 child marriages prevented• 74 villages have remained child marriage free• 35 Gram Panchayats have resolved to remain

free from child marriage• Over 150,000 people have pledged never to

perform or participate in child marriage• Over 16000 people have taken a written oath

Changes So Far

• Local caste leaders feeling pressure to end child marriage• Marriage service providers refusing to work

and informing Vikalp of planned weddings• 400 local youth given opportunities to

participate in civic engagement• More than 5200 girls are now pursuing

further education in 10th standard

Other changes

• Sustainability• Young people need continuous motivation• Mobility of young girls• Always in pressure of career

Challenges

Vikalpwww.vikalpindia.org