Babu Bahini Manch (BBM) is an initiative evolved by an organization Gram Niyojan Kendra (GNK) for its development projects implemented at Ratanpur and Laxmipur Blocks, Tehsil Nautanwa, District Maharajganj, Uttar Pradesh. Inspite of Maharaj ganj being a very backward district, formation of BBMs has proved to be a very successful strategy towards gender equality and to bring about change in attitude and practices of the adolescent boys and girls of the villages covered by GNK.
It is a forum where adolescent boys and girls meet on a regular basis and work upon areas of societal interest and self awareness like, education, health, sanitation and hygiene, human rights, rights of children, ecological issues, family life education, etc. BBMs have been in existence for more than three years and have brought about visible changes in perceptions of growing children as well as adults. Some results include:
There have been instances where adolescent boys of BBM have been instrumental in bringing back children especially girl children to school system.
There has been a change in the mindset of minority communities where girls placed in religious
and traditional education have been integrated with mainstream schooling and are now learning computers.
There is a change in marriage practices as well. Girls are consulted for their alliances and sent to their marital home only after they have attained the legal age of marriage.
Employment of girls is accepted and appreciated.
BBM initiative can be a role model to be replicated in other parts of the country.
Participants