Project Unlearn envisions to end violence and crime against women by creating a safe space for discussion with boys and young men.
BACKGROUND
Since 2017, our organisation has been dedicated to addressing gender-based violence in India. Ourjourney began with an in-depth study in Delhi prisons, involving over 300 men accused of crimesagainst women. From this research, we developed a unique curriculum focused on sensitising menabout gender-based violence, using experiential learning tools and gamified content. Over the years,we have worked in prisons and high-crime neighbourhoods, training thousands of men to understandand change their behaviours towards women.
The growing concern around violence against women in India
(based on 2023 NCRB Data)
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Over 4.45 lakh cases of crimes against women reported in 2022
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India witnesses 51 cases of crimes against women every hour​
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Crime against women in India increased by 4%
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Conviction rates for rape ranged between 27%-28% from 2018-2022,
Why It’s Important to Work with Men and Boys to Reduce Violence Against Women
We believe that Gender-based violence stems from deep-rooted social conditioning. To break this cycle, it’s crucial to engage young men and boys in conversations that challenge harmful norms and make them aware of the impact and the legal consequences of their actions.
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Project Unlearn focuses on working with men and boys in correctional institutions, helping them recognize how their behavior affects women. Our goal is to empower them to become leaders who stand against violence and advocate for change throughout their lives.
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WHERE DO WE WORK?
Correctional Institutions and Observation homes:
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Reducing Recidivism in Crimes Against Women: We aim to decrease the rate of repeat offenses by addressing the root causes of gender-based violence among men in correctional institutions.
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Creating Unlearn Leaders: Through targeted sessions, we transform these individuals into Unlearn Leaders, equipping them to prevent future violence and promote respect after their release.
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Our Mission: Our mission for systemic change in correctional institutions is to make it mandatory for men and boys accused of crimes against women to participate in sessions aimed at reshaping harmful gender beliefs and behaviors.
High-Crime Neighborhoods:
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Preventing Crimes Against Women at the Source: We hold contextual sessions with boys and men in high-risk areas, facilitated by former prison inmates, to address harmful behaviors before they escalate.
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A Community-Based Approach: We engage the community in fostering accountability and support, ensuring a collective effort in preventing gender-based violence.
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Creating Unlearn Leaders: Through targeted sessions, we empower young men and boys to become Unlearn Leaders, equipping them to prevent future violence and protect the rights of women.
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WHO ARE UNLEARN LEADERS?
Reformed Ex- Prisoners
Reformed young male ex-inmates, who once contributed to gender-based violence and crime, now use their real-life experiences to lead meaningful conversations with other men and boys in high-crime neighborhoods. Their unique insights help address harmful behaviors and inspire change within their communities.
Women Leaders
Women change-makers from the social sciences, with a deep commitment to gender equity, bring their expertise and passion to create safe spaces for men. They co-facilitate crucial conversations on harmful gender norms and cultural beliefs that contribute to crime and violence against women.
About Pehal Tool kit
'Pehal' is a beginning, a beginning into a new way of looking at life, especially at gender-related violence and perception of young adults which can be used to meet the gaps of the existing societal and education system.
Pehal- An educational which is conceptualized and designed to educate beyond regular curriculum which ignores the core values and life skills.
A 90-day curriculum inclusive and inspired by inmates milieu, for ease of comprehension and maximum impact.
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Pehal
Project Unlearn has developed a context curriculum called ‘Pehal’ which believes in creating a safe space for youth at risk to initiate conversations that focus on crime against women, perhaps is a burning issue in our country. This curriculum is developed with the help of inmates of Tihar Jail No. 5, keeping their interests, needs and learning style
The curriculum consists of board games, playing cards, and activities that motivate youth to participate and engage in discussions on issues based on violence. Real-life incidents and cases are weaved into stories to make them more relatable. A lot of thought is put into the vocabulary used in the curriculum, for the beneficiary’s easy to understand and learning.
VIOLENCE AND CRIME AGAINST WOMEN DURING COVID-19
Since the outbreak of COVID-19, emerging data and reports has exposed the fault lines of gender equality, with increase in the incidence of all types of violence against women and girls.
Delhi Police Data (2020)
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43% increase in the number of Rape cases reported
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Cases of molestation have gone up to 39%
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National Commission for Women (Report -2020 -2021)
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Increase in Domestic Violence by 25%
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Nearly 77 Rape cases were reported across India on an average everyday in 2020
