Project Report
| Oct 17, 2023
Changing Perceptions: Empowering Girls
By Lochana Gayatri Anand | Gender Programme Executive
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Girls on the ground
Young girls at The OSCAR Foundation are engaged through our football and life skills program. These young girls are enthusiastic and enjoy playing football. However, they experience backlash from their families and neighbourhood for choosing to play football and wearing shorts and studs. A group of young girls came forward to create awareness among the stakeholders in the community. They took up a social project to understand the people’s perception towards attire of female footballers. They named their team “Pehchaan” (One’s identity).
Pehchaan chose to work in four Mumbai communities. They conducted surveys to understand people’s opinions about female footballers. They sensitized the people in the community by organizing events for the parents helping them to understand the need to wear sportswear. They also organized a signature campaign and reached out to about 2000 people in the process. Their efforts resulted in positively shifting people’s perception in the community and helped in anchoring more girls on the ground. These young girls continue to be role models and inspire many by claiming their space and being vocal about their choices.
“A doctor wears a white coat and the police wear their uniform. Similarly, shorts and jerseys are uniforms for us (footballers). We want to play football wearing shorts”. Priyanka (Pehchaan Mentee. OSCAR Foundation)
“ I will not let others decide what my daughter wears. If she feels like wearing shorts inside the house or outside, she can do that. I will not restrict her for the same.” Pushpa (Parent, Cuffe Parade)
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Jun 17, 2023
Empowering Communities through Menstrual Health Education
By Sunita Rathod | Fundraising Manager
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The LAAL (Learning with Adolescents and Allies by Leading) event organized by the OSCAR Foundation on Menstrual Hygiene Day marked a significant milestone in promoting menstrual health and hygiene education within communities. In Hindi, "LAAL" translates to “RED." The initiative brought together seven partner organizations and 16 leaders from the OSCAR BULAND project in Mumbai, with the goal of improving awareness and knowledge of menstrual health and hygiene. Collaboration with the Muse Foundation played a crucial role in achieving this objective.
Initially, the partner organizations faced challenges. Participants felt uncomfortable discussing the female reproduction in the presence of boys and men. Low attendance rates further limited their outreach and they encountered difficulties dispelling myths and presenting accurate information to their families. Stereotypes discouraged conversations about periods with boys, creating additional barriers.
However, the LAAL event yielded positive outcomes showcasing the transformative power of comprehensive menstrual health education. Boys and girls experienced a shift in their understanding, dispelling myths and misconceptions. The event successfully fostered open dialogue, making individuals more confident. It broke down gender-related stereotypes, encouraged inclusivity and understanding. Participants emerged as empowered advocates for menstrual health and hygiene, eager to educate others.
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Feb 18, 2023
Capacity Building & Skill Development for Underserved Youth: OSCAR Foundation's BULAND Program
By Sunita Rathod | Fundraising Manager
![BULAND Group]()
BULAND Group
OSCAR Foundation’s BULAND program offers a wholesome learning experience for all participants. The program encompasses four elements, social and emotional learning, understanding gender equity, financial literacy and digital literacy. The course aims to prepare the group for the workplace. Forty participants, between 15-24, from underserved communities form the BULAND batch. Sessions are held fortnightly at OSCAR's office.
The Social Emotional Learning (SEL) element of the program is crucial and educates young adults by helping them understand emotional resilience and building self-esteem. OSCAR aims at equipping them with 21st century skills and includes 'soft skills’, to ensure the program has a holistic approach. Participants are able to acknowledge their emotions, communicate with peers and seek support when needed.
Furthermore, the participants engage in conversations around financial literacy, learning about ways of saving, investing and budgeting safely. They are informed about government facilities and aids they can access to reduce their expenses.
The sessions are highly insightful and reflective. The group interacts with youth from different parts of the city and it provides an amazing opportunity for networking. They aspire to be confident and responsible professionals and implement the learning from BULAND in their professional and personal lives.
“I feel safe and comforted here in the space with my fellow classmates. This is the place where I get to share and talk about things I can’t speak of elsewhere. I feel much more confident and I love attending BULAND sessions.” Anushka
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Group Activity
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