Round Square International Service Project
King Constantine award Varun Bakshi
My journey as a Gender Rights Activist has been a profound exploration of the societal barriers faced by women in rural India and an opportunity to contribute meaningfully toward breaking these barriers. Collaborating with Presidential Awardee Mr. Sunil Jaglan, I have worked across 40 villages in Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh, where issues of gender inequality and safety are deeply entrenched. Through this work, I have come to understand that meaningful change requires not just addressing systemic challenges but also transforming mindsets.
One of the first steps in this journey was addressing the fundamental issue of access to education for young girls. In Kanwari, Hisar, Haryana where the lack of safe and conducive learning spaces had long hindered educational aspirations, we collaborated with the Panchayat leader to establish a girls-only library. Stocked with over 500 books and textbooks, the library not only provided essential resources but also became a safe haven where young girls could nurture their ambitions. This initiative symbolized a shift in the community’s mindset, demonstrating the value of investing in girls’ education. What made this experience particularly impactful were the heartfelt conversations with elderly women in the village, who shared their regret over the opportunities they had been denied. They expressed profound hope that the next generation of girls would seize the opportunities now available to them, breaking the cycle of inequality that had persisted for generations.
Building on this momentum, we sought to address cultural taboos that perpetuate inequality. The introduction of period charts in homes was not merely about tracking menstrual cycles but about fostering open dialogue within families. By encouraging fathers and brothers to actively support the teenage girls in their homes, we aimed to dismantle the stigma surrounding menstruation. Additionally, we distributed period kits to girls in schools, providing them with the necessary resources to manage their health and boosting their confidence. These initiatives worked hand-in-hand, reinforcing the idea that both societal norms and individual mindsets must evolve for genuine change to take root.
During a session in one of the villages in Haryana, we took another significant step by installing nameplates bearing women’s names outside their homes. These nameplates symbolized joint ownership, challenging traditional norms that often prioritized male recognition within households. This initiative served as a visible acknowledgment of equality and inspired families to take pride in empowering the women in their homes. By addressing both societal perceptions and household dynamics, these efforts reinforced the idea that genuine change begins at the grassroots level.
My work has also extended to schools, where I had the privilege of engaging directly with students. Visiting multiple public and private schools across villages, we conducted sessions on gender equality and women’s safety, providing young minds with the tools to challenge ingrained stereotypes. One of the most memorable moments was being invited to speak at a Supreme Senior Secondary School in Jind, where I addressed over 60 students from grades 11 and 12. I was honoured to be awarded as the Guest of Honour at the school, a recognition that further motivated me to continue advocating for this cause. Through these sessions, I realized the importance of empowering young people to become advocates for change within their own communities.
During my internship with Weber Shandwick, a global public relations company, I had the opportunity to contribute to the HeForShe campaign, a UN Women initiative encouraging men to stand in solidarity with women. As part of a team that facilitated over a million male students signing the pledge for gender equality, I was directly involved in planning and orchestrating screenings of the National Award-winning documentary "Son Rise." These screenings were conducted in schools, universities, and corporate spaces across Maharashtra and Delhi, amplifying the message of gender justice to a wide audience. This experience not only honed my organizational and communication skills but also deepened my understanding of how to scale impactful initiatives.
The impact of these efforts has been deeply rewarding. Feedback from villagers and students reflects a noticeable shift in mindsets, with more families actively encouraging their daughters to pursue education and participate in decision-making. Elderly women in these villages have expressed their gratitude, often lamenting the lack of opportunities in their own time but finding solace in contributing to the new generation’s progress. Witnessing this transformation has been humbling and has reinforced my belief in the power of education and awareness to drive societal change.
An encouraging milestone in my journey was in securing the first place at the IB League Entrepreneurship Competition in Jaipur, India. Combining my commitment to create a more safer and equal world with my interest in business and economics, we created a potential women's safety device aimed at addressing the pressing issue of women's safety in public transport. We had the privilege of presenting our device to Shark Tank judge Namita Thapar, who awarded us first place and offered us her support through her company's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) if the device were to be produced.
This journey is far from over, but the progress we have made serves as a reminder of what is possible when individuals and communities come together with purpose. Whether it is through empowering young girls, fostering open conversations, or challenging societal norms, I remain committed to this cause. My goal is to advance the movement on a national and potentially global scale. To achieve this, I plan to take a gap year and focus on the movement for change. It has been an honour to play a part in this movement, and I look forward to continuing to work toward a world where equality is not just an aspiration but a reality.
Website link: https://bakshivarun.com/