A few months ago I had the privilege and honor to attend Aarti’s Birthday celebrations at her girl’s school in Mumbai. And what a fun event it was! Alive with culture, music, color, and joy. My favorite part of the evening was when a handful of the girls performed dances. The music flipped on and pure and utter confidence washed over this young girl as she expertly and joyfully danced.
The energy was immediate, infectious, and captivating. In this moment, we were witnessing something truly remarkable. In this moment, we were seeing what is possible when we empower our girls and give them the freedom to be whoever they want to be. In this very unsuspecting building, in the heart of the slums of Mumbai, where chickens and roosters often wander in from the streets, where there is little more than 4 walls and a concrete floor, the greatest gifts are given to our girls.
SAKHI is so much more than a place to get an education, learn basic life skills, and get a healthy meal (when many of these girls would otherwise go without). SAHKI provides a safe place for girls to grow in confidence and the freedom to be whatever they desire. In this beautiful dancer, we could see what is possible when we lift up our girls. What Arti has created at SAKHI shatters the social norms that suppress our girls and the results are undeniable.
The message is clear: Empower our girls and the whole community benefits.