We’re thrilled to share the success of the 7th #UPCEGStateLevelWorkshop, held in Lucknow. The event brought together 25 members of the UP #Coalition to #Empower Girls, a network of 33 organisations across Uttar Pradesh helmed by Milaan Foundation in order to help #adolescent girls reach their fullest potential. The 7th State Level Workshop was marked by engaging discussions, valuable insights, and a shared commitment to addressing critical #issues facing adolescent girls in our communities. The workshop saw the participation of esteemed speakers and a power-packed audience, including #visionaries such as Ms. Munni Begum, fondly known as "The Malala of Eastern UP," who overcame enormous odds to transform her life from a farm laborer’s daughter to a powerful advocate for women’s #literacy and #education, uplifting thousands of rural women through her tireless efforts. The day kicked off with an invigorating opening session, titled “The Road Ahead,” led by Mr. Sanjay Pandey of Purwanchal Sewa Sansthan, who eloquently outlined the workshop’s goals and the future direction for UPCEG. Ms. Rizwana, Divisional Consultant for Child Protection, UNICEF India emphasized the importance of grassroots collaboration, highlighting how shared knowledge and connections can significantly impact our collective efforts. Guided by Ms. Rizwana, participants brainstormed the key advocacy asks for the coalition to adopt Including pressing issues such as health and nutrition, challenges in attending secondary education, and the lack of awareness about schemes benefiting young women. The group identified key stakeholders essential for driving change and shared their insights on mobilizing these stakeholders effectively. We were also fortunate to host highly decorated guest speakers such as Mr. Zaidi, Advocate and Former Member of CWC Allahabad, who spoke on the Juvenile Justice System and the growing concern about cybercrime against adolescent girls; Mr. Puneet Mishra, Deputy Director of the Women Welfare Department, GoUP, discussed the revised Juvenile Justice System and the crucial role of NGOs in this space; and Ms. Suchita Chaturvedi Chaturvedi, Member of #UPSCPCR, spoke about the Commission's role in addressing children's issues and exploring avenues for collaboration with UPCEG. Professor Anshumali Sharma was also present as an expert on Child Rights and former Director of Childline in UP for over 22 years. His insights were greatly appreciated. The workshop left everyone with a reinvigorated sense of camaraderie and shared purpose. We at Milaan recognise the power of these networks in effecting sustainable social change and are grateful to all who came together to make this event possible. Rati Misra Javed Abbas Anjali Singh
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