Create a Safe Space for Children and Youth

1. Play Manifesto

Shaishav, in collaboration with Ek Step and Shiksharth, participated in the national Play Manifesto initiative, which aimed to hear directly from children about what they need for joyful and meaningful play. Through this effort, 1,539 children from Bhavnagar and Dediyapada shared their voices. In Bhavnagar, 300 children participated through events and surveys, while in Dediyapada, 1,239 children from 16 Ashramshalas took part. Children described their Dream Playground—clean, shaded spaces with trees, swings, slides, sports areas, toilets, drinking water, lighting, and coaches, along with separate zones for different ages. They wanted play to be part of daily routines and recognized as a right, not a privilege. Surveys revealed that many children, especially girls, faced barriers such as limited time, unsafe spaces, and inadequate equipment—about 70% of older girls lacked proper play facilities. Their message was clear: every child deserves safe, open, and inclusive spaces to play freely every day.

2. Training at SWATI:

SWATI is a feminist organization working with women and adolescent girls. Shaishav facilitated two trainings with 30 adolescent girls under SWATI’s fellowship program. The first training focused on understanding gender, discrimination, and patriarchy, encouraging girls to reflect on how these affect their lives and where they wish to “break the cage.” Sessions on physical, mental, and emotional changes during puberty, menstruation, and menstrual hygiene generated great curiosity and participation. For many girls, it was the first time someone had taken time to explain these topics in such detail.

Further sessions on healthy friendships, love and relationships, and healthy sexuality helped participants explore safe choices, consent, confidentiality, and personal agency. Discussions on LGBTQIA+ identities and safe sex included learning about contraceptives, their effectiveness, and their effects on women’s bodies. The group showed enthusiasm, openness, and strong leadership qualities.

The second training was Wenlido, where participants demystified sexual violence and learned practical tools to stay safe — physically, mentally, and emotionally. Through exercises, activities, and group discussions, they built self-awareness and confidence. In their feedback, all participants shared that the training was extremely useful and that they now feel more confident in handling different situations. A common reflection was that the best part of the training was realizing their own inner strength to face and respond to challenges. 

3. Training at Disha

Wenlido Training with Disha Organization

Wenlido training was also facilitated with 25 adolescent girls of Disha organization. The training helped boost the girls’ self-confidence and challenged myths around sexual violence — especially the belief that it is the survivor’s fault or something to be ashamed of. As they understood these realities, the girls became more confident in expressing their opinions and showed greater freedom and comfort in their mobility.

4.Collaboration with Younge India: 

Shaishav collaborated with the Young India Initiative of CII to facilitate sessions with adolescent girls in various schools of Bhavnagar. The sessions focused on physical, mental, and emotional changes during puberty, along with menstruation and menstrual hygiene. Through interactive discussions and activities, the girls also learned about making safe decisions and seeking help when needed, promoting awareness, confidence, and self-care during adolescence.

Gandhi Gunjan Program

The Shaishav team participated in the Gandhi Gunjan program organized by Lokbharti Vidyalaya and facilitated games with 180 high school students. Through play, the activities highlighted Gandhiji’s values — Ahimsa, peace, inclusivity, and his holistic approach to Swaraj — helping students experience and reflect on these principles in an engaging and interactive way.

UNICEF Meeting on Violence Against Girls

Parulben, our Founder and Executive Director, was invited by UNICEF to a meeting with SALSA and Gujarat High Court judges to present on violence against girls. She shared Shaishav’s experience with Wenlido as an effective tool for preventing violence and highlighted the formation of children’s collectives as a successful strategy for addressing and reducing such incidents.

Visit by University of Milan Students

Shaishav Bhavnagar hosted a delegation from the University of Milan Bicocca, Italy, as part of their international Summer School program “Learning from the Local.” The team included 18 students and 3 faculty members who visited to learn about children’s participation and empowerment. The visit provided an opportunity for the delegation to interact with local organizations and community-based initiatives, gaining insight into the realities of grassroots development work in India. Shaishav was delighted to share its experiences and practices with the international team.

TFIx 

Collaboration with TFIx – Fellowship Program in Dediyapada

Shaishav collaborated with TFIx to launch its fellowship program in Dediyapada for local youth. The program aims to enhance leadership skills and nurture participants as Baldosts, enabling them to support the holistic development of children through active engagement and participation of children.