Kamarkathi - Dar se himmat ki Aur

In order for adolescent girls and young women to challenge patriarchal control, we need to work at multiple levels. The Kamar Kathi [ Be Prepared – from Fear to Courage] model works on a trajectory of empowering self to claiming citizenship. The two key transformative processes in this model are the internal movement from fear & shame to courage & confidence. And the external movement for girls to recognize oneself as a citizen with rights and entitlements. We try that the process engages with the internalized patriarchal controls as also it dialogues with local stakeholders, administration and local governance.

Kamarkathi is an intensive feminist learning and facilitation process for adolescent girls and young women that challenges patriarchal control and supports a journey from fear and shame towards courage, confidence, and citizenship. The process focuses on two key transformations: an internal movement from fear and shame to courage and confidence, and an external movement where girls recognise themselves as rights-bearing citizens.

Designed as a complete learning cycle, Kamarkathi unfolds over four to five months through seven interconnected stages that build critical capacities, agency, and pathways to justice. The process engages with internalised patriarchal norms while also creating dialogue with families, local stakeholders, administration, and local governance structures. So far, the Kamarkathi process has been completed in 27 villages with 383 adolescent girls and is currently ongoing in 12 villages with around 200 participants.