Month: May 2025
Threads of Hope: Stitching Confidence, One Thread at a Time
In the heart of STOP’s community in Tughlakabad, a quiet yet transformative movement is unfolding. It is a story of resilience, empowerment, and the power of skill.
Under the dedicated mentorship of Mr. Ashraf Ansari, a trainer with years of experience in precision tailoring, a group of women—all at-risk survivors—are being equipped not only with stitching skills but with a renewed sense of purpose and self-belief.
Through the support of STOP India, these women are undergoing intensive training that covers everything from basic hemming techniques to advanced pattern-making. This initiative is far more than vocational—it is a pathway to financial independence.
From “I can’t” to “Watch me do it” — this is what handcrafted empowerment looks like.
Our Impact
- 👩🏫 Led by an expert trainer with hands-on mentoring
- 👩👧👧 Focused on women from vulnerable and at-risk backgrounds
- 🧵 Building both technical skill and personal confidence
- 💼 Opening doors to sustainable livelihoods
Transforming Education Through Joyful Learning at STOP’s TUGHLAKABAD Community
At STOP’s Tughlakabad Community Centre, education goes beyond textbooks and blackboards. Here, learning is an engaging, joyful experience designed to spark curiosity and creativity among children living in underserved communities.
Through thoughtfully designed, activity-based learning sessions, children are introduced to important concepts in a way that feels more like play than study. The focus is on participation, expression, and discovery—core elements that empower children to think, explore, and grow with confidence.
These experiences not only strengthen foundational skills but also help children discover their voices, develop confidence, and feel valued. The Tigri Centre stands as a shining example of how learning environments rooted in love, fun, and respect can make all the difference.
Youth Group Meeting on Gender Issues at STOP’s Tigri Community
STOP’s Tigri Community held an engaging and impactful youth group session centered around the theme of “Gender and Social Realities.” The meeting created a vibrant space for adolescent girls to come together and share their lived experiences, reflect on social challenges, and explore the deeper nuances of gender in their daily lives.
The session witnessed enthusiastic participation, with several key highlights:
- Sharing Lived Experiences: Young participants voluntarily stepped forward to share their personal stories related to gender. These narratives added depth and relatability to the discussion, transforming abstract concepts into real-life contexts.
- Exploring Gender Roles: The group explored how traditional gender expectations affect young girls—ranging from unequal access to education to limitations placed on career aspirations and freedom of choice.
- Voicing Discrimination: Several girls bravely shared instances of gender-based discrimination they face in schools, public spaces, and within their families. These conversations sparked collective reflection and empathy.
- Focus on Safety: The issue of safety in public and private spaces emerged as a major concern. Participants emphasized the need for safer environments that empower girls to move freely and confidently.
- Leadership and Volunteering: One of the most heartening aspects of the session was the number of girls who voluntarily chose to speak up. Their willingness to lead the conversation showcased a growing sense of agency and confidence.
- Creating Safe Dialogue Spaces: The session reaffirmed the importance of safe and inclusive platforms where youth can express themselves freely, without judgment.
- Inspiring Changemakers: The discussion concluded with a powerful message: young people are not just future leaders—they are changemakers today. Their voices are essential in challenging systemic injustices and promoting gender equality in their communities.
This youth group meeting is a testimony to STOP’s ongoing commitment to empowering young voices and fostering environments that promote gender justice. By providing platforms for open dialogue and expression, STOP continues to support the youth of Tigri in becoming informed, empathetic, and action-driven individuals.
Empowered Women, Empowering Communities!
In a remarkable initiative during the last week of March and the first half of April 2025, a group of 100 determined women from STOP India’s Tigri community came together to take part in an empowering series of training sessions. Organized through a powerful collaboration between Azim Premji Philanthropic Initiatives (APPI) and STOP India, these sessions aimed to spark transformation — not just in knowledge, but in identity, awareness, and purpose.
These weren’t ordinary workshops. They were safe spaces where women could reflect, question, and rise — reclaiming their power, learning about their rights, and building the confidence to stand up against injustice. With a focus on real-world issues that affect their everyday lives, these sessions laid the groundwork for long-lasting change within families, communities, and society at large.
Key Modules Covered & The Experts Who Led Them
Each training module was led by passionate professionals who brought their expertise, empathy, and energy to the sessions. Together, they addressed some of the most pressing and often overlooked issues faced by women and girls:
- Child Marriage was discussed in depth by Smritikana Ghosh Paul, Senior Programme Manager, who sensitively unpacked the social, psychological, and legal impacts of early marriage.
- Human Trafficking was explained in depth by Narayani Bhattacharya, Documentation Officer, shedding light on the hidden dangers and equipping women with tools to identify and resist exploitation.
- Health and Hygiene were championed by Sakshi Gaur, Psychological Counsellor, and Shirine Marian Tigga, Project Coordinator. They emphasized the importance of both physical well-being and mental health in leading empowered lives.
In addition to these, several other critical topics were explored:
- Fundamental Rights & Freedom
- Education
- Cybercrime
- Child Labour
- Domestic Violence
These topics were facilitated by local changemakers including Mamta Gopal (Centre-In-Charge, Tigri), Kashish and Deepika (Teachers, STOP), and Rani (Centre Field Worker). Their grassroots connection made the sessions relatable and actionable, helping participants understand how legal rights, access to education, and personal safety intersect in daily life.
A Movement of Awareness and Action
For many women, these sessions were an eye-opening experience — a first step in a journey toward awareness and self-empowerment. Stories of courage, questions asked with curiosity, and silent moments of realization turned these sessions into transformative gatherings. As one participant shared, “The strength of a community lies in its women. These women showed us what dedication and courage look like.”
Vocational Training at Tughlakabad
STOP is proud to share the remarkable achievements of the young women from our Tughlakabad Community who have successfully completed their Beautician vocational training under the expert guidance of Ms. Munmun Sarkar, STOP’s dedicated Skill Trainer.
As part of the course, the girls showcased their talents in makeup artistry, with Nancy leading the way in Bridal Makeup. Puja, Amreen, Muskan, Muskan, Neha, and Chanda, not only did their own makeup but also extended a helping hand to their teammates—truly reflecting teamwork and growth.
The training syllabus included:
- Skin care and analysis
- Waxing and threading techniques
- Manicure and pedicure
- Bridal and occasion-based makeup
- Facial and hair treatments
- Equipment handling and hygiene protocols
This hands-on training has equipped them with real-world beauty skills and boosted their confidence to pursue independent careers.
Kudos to all our aspiring beauticians! We are thrilled to see them blossom into skilled professionals.
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