The Nari Ki Choupal is a unique forum for women and men from all backgrounds to come together and share their stories, experiences and learning as well as receive exposure to a multiplicity of government schemes and programmes based on women’s empowerment.
This colourful yet enlightening series of events kicked off with a Special Gram Sabha at Dilli Haat, Pitampura on 14th of November, organised in collaboration with Action Aid India. The Sabha’s discussion was a heart-warming sharing of experiences by Sarpanchs from across seven states on declining child sex ratio, who deal with the problem at the grassroots level and show exemplary conviction in their belief of the value of the girl child.
The subsequent days of Vatsalya Mela have seen a slew of cultural programmes with social messages at the Nari Ki Choupal, with nukkad natak (street plays), puppet shows, folk dances, movie screenings, poster making competitions, fashion shows and lively interactive sessions organised in collaboration with leading non-government organisations. These programmes were based on the themes of Vatsalya Mela this year – Ahimsa Messenger – a programme of Ministry for Women and Child Development to empower women against violence and declining child sex ratio.
Some of the highlights that received an enthusiastic response at the Nari Ki Choupal included the screening of a film titled ‘Nanakpura Kuch Nahi Bhoolta’ on the theme of Domestic Violence, a fashion show featuring clothes made and worn by girls from disadvantaged backgrounds and a musical night on sanitation put up in collaboration with Sulabh International.
The upcoming events of Nari Ki Choupal include a unique rock concert on women’s issues, organised in collaboration with Delhi School of Social Work, DU on 23rd November at Dilli Haat, INA and an interactive theatre programme on land rights of women in collaboration with Women Power Connect on 24th November,2013 at Dilli Haat, Pitampura.