The Rakshin Project : Make Gender Equality a Reality in India

In hushed tones, innocence fades,

Childhood's light dims in hidden shades.

But speaking up brings a glimmer of hope,

With the guts to speak our truth, we rise,

Healing hearts, wiping tears from eyes.

Every voice counts in this fight we've waged,

But how do we pave this path?

Did you know that 1 out of 2 children in India are sexually abused, most often by known & trusted people?

Child Sexual Abuse is an alarming reality and is being increasingly reported globally. However, it is often swept under the carpet because of the denial, silence, shame, and stigma associated with it. But what is a sustainable solution to prevent this abuse? 

How can we #makehomeasafespace for every child?

At Sakshi, we aim to break the silence on Child Sexual Abuse. This abuse mainly stems from patriarchal beliefs that promote sexism and outdated ideas of family honor. Whenever there is a case discussed in the mainstream involving rape or child sexual abuse, there is outrage, protests, polarizations, a surge of media frenzy, a call for reform, and honest real despair from individual citizens. And then? Nothing.

Our youth is the key to bringing positive change in society.

Through The Rakshin Project, we teach young adults critical skills like using respectful language and promoting gender equality. We want to have informed individuals in every home who can prevent sexual abuse by

• Recognizing and talking about abusive behavior.
• Confronting abusers and stopping harmful actions.
•  Finding support for the child and keeping them safe.
• Creating safe spaces and calm situations down.
• Reporting abuse and helping victims heal.

Since 2018, we have conducted sessions in 915 colleges nationwide and trained 59,866 NSS student volunteers across 32 states and Union territories. We want to shift the narrative that says, "The burden of securing the environment lies exclusively on the child.” To curb Child Sexual Abuse and effectively support and care for survivors, we need commitment from all stakeholders: the parents, the teachers, and all those who are responsible for the health and safety of the children. 

The impact we want to create is to have one skill-built Rakshin in each home to drive collective action in the community, creating a safe and secure environment for all, free from all kinds of abuse and violence. 

Join our journey as we prevent abuse in every home and #makehomeasafespace for every child.