STOP Participates in APF Workshop

On June 10, 2025, two representatives from STOPโ€”Smritikana Ghosh Paul (Senior Programme Manager) and Narayani Bhattacharya (Documentation Officer)โ€”participated in a workshop hosted by the Azim Premji Foundation at Integrated Social Initiatives, Lodhi Road, New Delhi.

The workshop focused on introducing and discussing the Foundationโ€™s updated frameworks for its partner organizations. These new structures are designed to enhance the effectiveness of grants by fostering greater clarity in programme alignment, strengthening impact measurement, and encouraging shared accountability across all levels of intervention.

The session provided an important opportunity for STOPโ€™s team to engage with other social sector professionals, exchange insights, and align on forward-looking approaches to community-driven change.

Participation in such knowledge-building spaces reflects STOPโ€™s continued commitment to growth, collaboration, and transparency in all aspects of its work.

Eid-Ul-Adha Celebrated with Joy in STOPโ€™s Tigri Community

STOP at Cross-Border Consultation | India-Nepal Dialogue

Stronger Together Against Child Trafficking

๐ŸŒOn Thursday, June 5, 2025, Smritikana Ghosh Paul, Senior Programme Manager at STOP, represented the organisation at a pivotal Bilateral Consultation Meeting between Nepal and India, held at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi.

๐ŸŒThis high-level dialogue was dedicated to strengthening collaborative efforts to combat child sex trafficking across borders, bringing together stakeholders, experts, and government representatives from both countries.

Key Highlights:

๐ŸŒ Organized by: The Embassy of Nepal
In collaboration with:

  • Ministry of Women, Children and Senior Citizens / NCCHT
  • Shakti Samuha
  • ECPAT Luxembourg
  • SPID (Society for Participatory Integrated Development)
    Under the MUKTI (Freedom) South Asia Project\
  • Core Discussion Areas:
    • Strategies for rescue, repatriation, and rehabilitation of trafficking survivors
    • Enhancing cross-border coordination mechanisms
    • Sharing successful field practices and policy frameworks
  • Participants Included:
    • Government officials from India and Nepal
    • Law enforcement authorities
    • Civil society organisations and anti-trafficking experts

๐ŸŒ This consultation marked a significant step forward in fostering regional solidarity, improving survivor support systems, and reinforcing the commitment to end child trafficking through collaborative, cross-border action.

History Comes Alive in STOPโ€™s Tughlakabad Community

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 womenโ€”all at-risk survivorsโ€”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 vocationalโ€”it is a pathway to financial independence.

From โ€œI canโ€™tโ€ to โ€œWatch me do itโ€ โ€” this is what handcrafted empowerment looks like.

Our Impact

  • ๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿซ Led by an expert trainer with hands-on mentoring
  • ๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿ‘งโ€๐Ÿ‘ง Focused on women from vulnerable and at-risk backgrounds
  • ๐Ÿงต Building both technical skill and personal confidence
  • ๐Ÿ’ผ Opening doors to sustainable livelihoods

Transforming Education Through Joyful Learning at STOPโ€™s TUGHLAKABAD Community

Youth Group Meeting on Gender Issues at STOPโ€™s Tigri Community

STOPโ€™s Tigri Community held an engaging and impactful youth group session centered around the theme of โ€œGender and Social Realities.โ€ 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 girlsโ€”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 leadersโ€”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 STOPโ€™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!

Key Modules Covered & The Experts Who Led Them

A Movement of Awareness and Action

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, STOPโ€™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 teammatesโ€”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.