Home

Often, both society and the government work against girls. That is why we formed Junoon — so that we can come together and fight collectively for our rights.

The Station House Officer said that Humkadam is a supportive partner for them as well. By continuing to work together, better outcomes may be possible.

I spent three months living at the  Hamkadam shelter. Staying there and receiving counselling helped me understand myself. I was able to rent a room, find a job, and stand on my own feet. This shelter gave me the space to think and understand myself.

At the Gotni Centre, we learned about our rights. Because of this, we can now go to the hospital and seek treatment for ourselves or for any girl. Earlier, we were unable to speak to doctors at the hospital. After visiting the hospital three to four times, we are now able to communicate confidently and with ease.

I began to speak about the discrimination I face at home — in education, food, and freedom of movement. I started asking why my brother receives certain facilities and I do not. In school, I spoke up with other girls against girls being made to do all the cleaning and kitchen work. Together, we planned how boys and girls would share this work equally.I also speak out against caste-based discrimination in my village. At the Learning Centre, I now confidently lead activities, facilitate group meetings, and speak openly. I feel I have grown into a leader.

After joining the Advisory Group, I began to understand myself better. I am learning to see problems from girls’ perspectives. I realised that society teaches girls to depend on others, but when girls have courage and make their own decisions, they become strong individuals. I now trust myself and take decisions about my own life. When my mother passed away in June 2025, my family pressured me to wear a lehenga, observe purdah, and cry repeatedly. I resisted and said I would cry only if I truly felt grief — I would not perform it. There was also pressure to organise a death feast after 12 days, but I decided not to do it and explained my decision to my brother as well.People in the village say I have no manners and that I did not follow traditions after my mother’s death. But these comments no longer affect me.” 

I had once heard that when all paths seem to close, a new path is always waiting somewhere. Speaking to the Humkadam Helpline today felt like finding that path.