In a world where traditional gender roles still dictate much of society's expectations, empowering girls to break free from societal constraints and realise their full potential can be an uphill battle. However, one organisation has been challenging these norms and revolutionising the lives of thousands of girls since 2006: Maitrayana.
Named after the concept of compassion, Maitrayana is dedicated to creating a gender-equal society where girls and women can exercise their rights to education, empowerment, and self-realisation. At the heart of their mission lies the belief that sports can serve as a powerful tool for social change.
Kalyani Subramanyam, CEO & Board Member, Maitrayana, says, ‘Access to sport has been difficult, plus there have been also barriers, with parents. When we would talk to them about engaging girls through sport, the response was - they don't do their household chores properly.’
The journey for girls begins with the Young People's Initiative (YPI), a structured ten-month programme designed to provide them with opportunities to play sports, particularly netball, while also attending school.
Netball holds a special place in the programme, not just as a sport but as a means of building confidence, fostering teamwork, and promoting physical well-being. Through netball clubs and regular sessions, girls hone their athletic skills and also find a supportive community where they can discuss issues relevant to them.
However, deep-rooted gender biases and societal expectations often stand in the way. Many girls face pressure to prioritise household chores over personal development, while others struggle with coordination and confidence on the sports field.
‘I think we've come a long way from that. Now, more and more girls are able to participate in the programmes and are able to access sport, but the barriers remain,’ Kalyani adds.
For many girls, the journey doesn't end with sports; it's just the beginning. Maitrayana's structured employability programme prepares girls for the workforce, offering internships and mentorship.
Aarti Kori, who is now a Program Associate with Maitrayana says, ‘After completing my first month, I received a stipend for being a community sports coach. I gave this first stipend to my family. I come from a household where no woman has ever earned any money. I have two siblings and my father earns for us. I was the first girl to have financially contributed to the family. My mother was a little awkward taking it initially. But I funded my own college education and did not take any money from home. I started buying little things during functions, like a saree for my mother and clothes for my father.’
These girls learning are to play by their own rules, rewriting the script of their lives, and shaping a future where anything is possible.