Saamya was conceived from the critical understanding that true gender equity in patriarchal societies like India and Southeast Asia demands early engagement with boys. Recognizing that traditional programs often overlook men and boys as allies, and building on research from 2016, the DS Group launched Saamya in 2020.
Its unique approach lies in proactively shaping mind-sets in boys aged 7-11. By instilling values like empathy, respect, and dignity through activity-based learning, Saamya aims to cultivate "sensitized boys for a gender-equitable society." This fosters allyship, challenging ingrained notions of domestic roles and empowering boys to become agents of change, leading to a ripple effect for long-term societal transformation.
The program started as pilot intervention in three communities in Noida, subsequently extended to Delhi, Lucknow and Sheopur. More than 1000 young boys across the locations have been trained and sensitized through a structured approach.
Seeing the importance and relevance of the cause, the program is further improvised to deliver in school setting also where young boys engage through interactive sessions, roleplays, debates, and discussions. Initially started in Billabong High International School (Noida) and Bharat Ram Global School (Greater Noida), the program has since expanded to include many more schools.
We observed that these activities encourage boys to question harmful gender norms, stereotypes, and their own preconceived beliefs.
The initiative has earned recognition from various educational and social institutions for its early intervention model and impactful approach toward building a more inclusive and equitable society. It received the AIMA Special Category Award at the 11th Business Responsibility Summit and CSR Project Excellence Awards in New Delhi and honoured with the 'Gender Equality Initiative of the Year 2022-23' award by the Indian Social Impact Awards.
