Breakthrough Reaches Over 25,000 Adolescents Through Gender-Transformative Curriculum Across Haryana
Breakthrough, an organisation dedicated to making gender-based violence unacceptable by transforming the culture that permits it, brought together voices from diverse backgrounds in Haryana’s Panchkula to champion the vision of “Engendering Schools and Communities,”. Schools and communities play a crucial role in building a gender-neutral society.
Breakthrough has been working in Haryana since 2012, creating awareness and promoting gender equality in the state, particularly through Schools and Community engagements. Breakthrough’s flagship gender-transformative curriculum, “Taaron Ki Toli,” has reached over 25,000 adolescents across 139 schools in 125 Gram Panchayats and 2 urban communities, spanning seven districts of Haryana.
The ‘Engendering Schools and Communities’ event aimed at inspiring dialogue on critical issues surrounding gender equality and empowerment in the state. The event also celebrated the contributions of adolescents, parents, teachers, and community leaders who have become catalysts for change by building gender-transformative schools and child-friendly Panchayats. Stories shared during the discussions illustrated the transformative power of grassroots efforts toward gender equity. Stakeholders, including government officials and community members, exchanged insights on achievements and challenges in advancing gender equality.
Nayana Chowdhury, CEO, Breakthrough Trust, said:
“The work done by Breakthrough in transforming gender norms through schools and
communities is immensely important. Breakthrough's work brings hope for a gender-equal future, beginning with empowered adolescents who are then able to fulfil their full potential, which is essential for building India's future. To achieve this, it is essential that we recognize the change-makers in the community and engage with all stakeholders in creating an environment where gender equality becomes a reality. Such initiatives set the stage for sustainable change for a better tomorrow.”
These conversations underscored the importance of empowering adolescents and reshaping societal norms to create a culture rooted in equality, dignity, and justice.
Sakshi,Consultant,State Project Management Unit, State Panchayat Development Office said:
“There is a need for collaboration among all the stakeholders including the government, NGO’s, CSO, etc., for a comprehensive development of gender sensitive society. The need of the hour is to formulate plans for gender inclusion in all aspects of the society. This should be integrated with the Gram Panchayat Development Plan(GPDP) to be able to implement the SDG related gender goals.”
Arty Soni,State Lead,Haryana said:
“The event marks a significant milestone in Breakthrough Haryana’s journey to promote gender equality by engaging stakeholders at all levels, from gram panchayats to district administrations. Breakthrough’s socio-ecological model of engagement has been instrumental in shaping public narratives and fostering a culture of equality, dignity, and justice.”
Vikas Khanna,Project Director,Adolescent Program,Magic Bus said:
“It is essential to have a space for adolescents where they can freely express themselves—a safe space. To work on gender issues, we need to come together. Without open discussions, we cannot change gender norms. It is crucial for the government, society, institutions, and the market to collaborate.”
Breakthrough currently works in 6 Indian States- Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand and in Punjab and Odisha (in partnership with the state government) touching the lives of 2.3 million adolescents.
