YUWA: Empowering Underprivileged Girls through Football

BANGALORE: Child marriage and low rates of literacy are the major widespread problems in India. Child marriage influences the society as it reinforces a series of poverty and brings about gender inequality, illiteracy and malnutrition along with increased infant and maternal death rates.

The key to women empowerment in India is education. The increased participation of women in education systems has set off on the path of shattering all the social barriers in the nation. The Indian patriarchal society, however, is the biggest obstacle in eradicating these issues.

The numbers are shocking when looked at. According to a survey, 6 out of every 10 women in Jharkhand cannot read or write. In regards to this, organizations in the country are either directly or indirectly are addressing to end these practices, in a view that culture is not immutable.

Yuwa, based out of Jharkhand, is one such organization. Founded in 2009, Yuwa is an NGO that’s using the sport of football to promote social development, literacy and discourage child marriage. A chance to lead a better and independent life is being bestowed on some young girls residing in the village of Hutup, reports DNA. 

Yuwa is dedicated to fight against child marriage, illiteracy and human trafficking using football and education by setting up strong women groups who are confident and can support each other, and can build safe spaces to discover their talents. Where the traditional society teaches asks them to fit in, Yuwa educates these girls to stand out.

Currently, the program includes 250 girls, with 150 practicing on a daily basis, making this NGO the largest football program in the nation. Since its inception, the NGO has had 600 members.

The teams participate in weekly workshops related to health, sexuality, gender, domestic violence, self-dependence, and basic finances.

The website of organization talks about their academic bridge program having the following goals:

To inspire girls to achieve academic excellence

To develop employable skills

To ensure regular school attendance

To spark a love of learning

To encourage critical thinking

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