On 22^nd January 2021, Caritas India conducted a virtual workshop for Girl Children of Musahar community of Bihar State (Roshni Suposhan Program Areas). The purpose of this day is to spread awareness about the gender-based discriminations that girls face in our society and to bring change in the attitude towards girls. The main objective was to have a conversation with Girl Child Leaders and encourage them to raise their recommendations for their brighter future. Based on that, the Charter of Recommendations was prepared by Child Leaders and District Teams which was presented at upcoming  Gram Sabha (26^th January) in their respective Panchayats. Girl Child Leaders from 4 Districts – Madhubani Saharsa, Munger and Rohtas were part of the workshop and shared their thoughts, talked about their rights, entitlements and promoted awareness about the rights of a girl child. Around 90 children from villages participated in the workshop.

The workshop was Moderated by Ms Priyanka. The workshop started with a prayer by Sr. Nisha followed by welcome and context setting by Mr. Ghanshyam Jethwa- HOD, Caritas India. He welcomed all the child leaders and gave best wishes for National Girl Child Day. Mr.Ghanshyam shared the relevance of promoting gender equality and encouraged the children to treat each other equally.

The first session was ice breaking, facilitated by Ms Priyanka. All child leaders have introduced themselves and shared one best moment during lockdown they did in their village.

The second session was on Four Pillar of Child rights facilitated by Ms. Rashi Mitra, Child Rights Officer. She discussed with children regarding Child and rights and what do they mean, UNCRC and its principals.

The third session was based on Lockdown Diaries facilitated by Mr Lokesh. In this session, children shared their challenges and concern which they faced during the lockdown. Most of the children expressed that they miss their schools and school closure has led to a loss of continuity in education and no mid-day meals. They also shared that have no access to the digital platform, have to be engaged in household chores, many of them are accompanying parents in the agricultural field for labour work and unable to roam outside and play with friends.

The last session was Solutions and recommendations shared by Girl Child leaders. Some of the key asks and recommendations were: Re-opening of schools soon, regular and timely distribution of Ration, Establishment of Middle school in villages, Improved Drinking water facilities, separate toilet for girls and boys, qualified teachers and improved teaching style, engagement of PRI leaders in schools and village development, promoting education, Strict monitoring and prevention of Child Marriage, Activation of Village Level Child Protection Committee, Availability of livelihood work under MNREGA to reduce migrations and Availability of COVID 19 vaccine.

During the way forward, Ms Rashi ( Asst. Manager – Child Rights, CI)  urged the Child Leaders to go back to their homes and share their learnings from the workshop and continue their education at home through peer to peer learning. The Child Leaders were further suggested to prepare their charter of recommendations and present them in the upcoming Gram Sabha. All child leaders in guidance of project team and parents will draft a letter and submit them to PRI members, Block and district level officials and do monthly follow up for same.