Empower disadvantaged girls in Indian slums

Young girls at The OSCAR Foundation are engaged through our football and life skills program. These young girls are enthusiastic and enjoy playing football. However, they experience backlash from their families and neighbourhood for choosing to play football and wearing shorts and studs. A group of young girls came forward to create awareness among the stakeholders in the community. They took up a social project to understand the people’s perception towards attire of female footballers. They named their team “Pehchaan” (One’s identity).

Pehchaan chose to work in four Mumbai communities. They conducted surveys to understand people’s opinions about female footballers. They sensitized the people in the community by organizing events for the parents helping them to understand the need to wear sportswear. They also organized a signature campaign and reached out to about 2000 people in the process. Their efforts resulted in positively shifting people’s perception in the community and helped in anchoring more girls on the ground. These young girls continue to be role models and inspire many by claiming their space and being vocal about their choices.

“A doctor wears a white coat and the police wear their uniform. Similarly, shorts and jerseys are uniforms for us (footballers). We want to play football wearing shorts”. Priyanka  (Pehchaan Mentee. OSCAR Foundation)

“ I will not let others decide what my daughter wears. If she feels like wearing shorts inside the house or outside, she can do that. I will not restrict her for the same.” Pushpa (Parent, Cuffe Parade)