I am Vandana studying in 2nd class. I am 8 years old. I am the Sarpanch of Bal Panchayat, there are 8 people in my house. My mom and dad go to Delhi to work. When I was not part of Bal Panchayat, I was shy and too meek to go outside.
Earlier I used to think that girls should be introvert and remain inside their houses. When I joined Bal Panchayat, I got to know about male-female difference, violence against women, child rights, child marriage and helpline number. Then on I have gained confidence. I am not shy of anyone. Whenever there is injustice, I speak up.
In my neighbour, marriages of two young girls were getting fixed. When i got to know about it, I opposed it.
I learnt from Bal Panchayat that whenever a labourer leaves his/ her home, s/he must have some basic information so that no one can exploit them and they can work safely and without discrimination. I keep on sharing with my parents what is meant by safe migration.
I have gained so much information from Grameen Swalamban Samiti. I want that this organisation keeps on sharing information with poor girls like me.
Now I believe that whenever there is discrimination on the basis of our gender, I should never be silent and oppose it. We should oppose discrimination and violence against us because if we get silent, the perpetrators get more confident.
Vandana
Village- Astaun. Block- Tikamgarh. District- Tikamgarh