How do girls grow up when they live in underserved circumstances?

When children grow up in financially and socially vulnerable communities, girls often face greater hardships than boys. In families with limited resources, boys are more likely to continue their schooling, while girls are expected to help at home. If nutritious food is scarce, boys are more likely to receive it than girls. When these patterns persist across generations, parents often do not realize any alternative exists. For many girls, the only perceived options are early marriage, being a housemaid or surviving on the streets. Without an education, they are forced to earn a living, often putting them in unsafe or even violent situations. Most of the girls like to study and they go to great lengths to learn, often in small crowded houses, while also doing work in the house and taking care of their siblings.

During our several-month-long survey in the vastis (slums) of Pune, we spoke with many bright and determined girls, their teachers and organisations that support them. They all emphasized the importance of access to education, convincing parents to postpone early marriages, and urging the city to make their neighborhoods safer and cleaner, with spaces where they can study. Together with 10Children, Rainbow Umbrella, and the Maharshi Karve Stree Shikshan Sanstha, the girls organized a two-day conference where many girls and support organizations came together. There, they shared their experiences, spoke openly about their challenges, and discussed the solutions and changes that need to be implemented in society.

Our partners

Vibhabvari Deshpande (actress/writer, director)

Shrirang Godbole (director/writer) (Rainbow Umbrella).
Vaishali Oak and Raju Sutar collaborated as scenic artists

Mahesh Khandare and Tejas Kulkarni directed the documentary.

The Seva Sahayog Foundation with Shailesh Ghatpande (director - operations) and Vineet Kondejkar (program manager) supported the research. The festival took place at the Maharshi Karve Stree Shikshan Samstha, (MKSSS).

सोपं नसतंच काही

(Nothing is easy)

Performance

It is just another night in a hutment next to a fourteen storied apartment complex. Three teenage girls, Sapna, Komal and Sunny gather in an abandoned shack which is presumed to be haunted. The residents of the adjacent fancy complex have turned it into a scrapyard and dumped old furniture, clothes, books and all sorts of scrap in it.

सोपं नसतंच काही

(Nothing is easy)

Performance

विद्ये विना (Without Knowledge/Learning)

Documentary

The documentary explores the impact of poverty on young girls in Pune's slums, showing how it limits their access to education and opportunities. It has been made by Tejas Kulkarni and Mahesh Khandare. The documentary highlights their struggles, resilience, and the efforts of those working to bring change.

View documentary

विद्ये विना (Without Knowledge/Learning)

Documentary

View documentary

Interwoven (Scenic Art)

Installation

Welcome to Interwoven, a showcase of our collective creativity and shared experiences. This installation weaves together diverse perspectives, merging individual stories into a harmonious visual symphony.

Interwoven (Scenic Art)

Installation

ती (SHE)

Conference

During four sessions, She's topic was explored and explained. To ultimately formulate concrete steps on how to improve the development opportunities of girls growing up in difficult circumstances. Around 200 participants, professionals from different organizations and artists, considered this topic, supported by girls and their stories growing up in these circumstances. Girls, parents and social workers from the following organizations talked about their lives: Seva Sahayog Foundation, Green Tara Foundation (including a street play), Nirman Sanstha, and Work for Equality. Organizations who have specific programs to support the girls’ presented examples of their work. They are: Doorstep Schools, De Asra, Snehalay, Gyan Prabodhini, Loksadhana. The last session of the conference was dedicated to expert insights and possible ways forward by representatives of UNICEF, Child Helpline and the Government. Part of the conference is a publication.