How girls in Lakhimpur Kheri are reclaiming their rights

Lakhimpur Kheri is one of the most underdeveloped districts in Uttar Pradesh. Many girls here are held back by gender discrimination, social restrictions, poor health facilities, and schools being too far away. But with CRY UK Project AIM team’s support, the girls of Lakhimpur are rising and reclaiming their futures through education.

Let’s understand how CRY UK is empowering them, and the difference we have created together with your support.

How is CRY UK helping girls to find their voice

CRY UK project team through Child Activity Centers and Adolescent Girls’ Collectives, empowers the girls of Lakhimpur to fight for their right to education. Along with attending school, they take part in Life Skills sessions that help them build confidence, form their own opinions, and use their voices to help the community break free from harmful social traditions.

Fighting gender discrimination

The CRY UK team works with communities to challenge norms based on gender that limit girls’ opportunities. Through awareness sessions and discussions with girls, parents, and other key community members, they encourage everyone to support girls’ education and treat them equally.

Managing menstrual health

Many girls in Lakhimpur were dropping out of school because they lacked awareness and proper facilities during their periods. CRY UK project team is changing this by educating them about menstrual health through Adolescent Collective sessions. They also work with schools and local bodies to provide clean, separate toilets and a regular supply of free sanitary pads, so girls can attend school with confidence.

Addressing early marriage and labour through collective formation

Through girls’ collectives, the CRY UK project team educates the girls of Lakhimpur about their rights, helps them build confidence, and supports them in saying no to early marriage and labour. These groups not only stand up for themselves but also speak out in the community to protect other girls.

Support classes for girls who dropped out

For girls in Lakhimpur who had to leave school due to situations they never deserved, the CRY UK project team not only helps them re-enroll but also conducts special classes at the Child Activity Centers to help them catch up on missed education, giving them a second chance to continue learning and shape their own futures.

Ways girls are shaping their voice

With CRY UK project team’s support, the girls of Lakhimpur are not only reclaiming their right to education but also raising their voices to bring change in their communities. Here’s the impact they are creating:

• 313 girls attend CRY’s Child Activity Centers to bridge their education gap, fight for their rights, and advocate for their community.
• 4 girls who had dropped out of school reclaimed their second chance by re-enrolling. 317 child marriages were prevented with the support of girls’ collectives.
• Girls demanded a free supply of sanitary pads from government authorities, helping reduce absenteeism in schools.
• Gender barriers in sports were broken by organising a girls’ cricket match in collaboration with the police and local administration.

Check how our timely intervention has stopped girls from child marriage

Read full story: Kamal reclaimed her future with CRY UK project team’s support

Conclusion

While we have made a difference in the lives of so many girls, there are still many in Lakhimpur and beyond waiting for a chance at education and the opportunity to shape their future. With you standing strong beside us, we can empower these girls to claim their rights and build a future that truly belongs to them. Donate now to CRY UK to create happier childhoods for girls.