Pravin Rathod, a college student in Ahmedabad, says he grew up accepting notions that women should never be allowed to step out of their homes or be given any other rights. As these opinions were in line with the views of the majority in the community, he says, he never had any reason to confront them till he became familiar with the campaign. ‘When I observed my sister’s daily routine closely, I found that we were imposing very severe and far too many restrictions on her. Now I am far more tolerant and have learnt to respect her wishes. We have been unfair to her and I see that now that she needs to be given the right to decide the course of her life. Now, together the two of us are spreading the message of the conference to others in the hope that people change their attitudes and girls are given charge of their lives.’

Hardik Patel, another student in Ahmedabad, admits to being rude to his mother and sister all these years without realizing that he was being so. ‘After I became sensitive to the campaign issues, I realized that I have been dismissive of their rights and feelings. I now make an effort to be mindful of their dignity and wishes. When my sister wishes to go out, I offer no resistance now and stay back to keep company to my mother.’

Nilang Patel, another student studying commerce in Ahmedabad, says he believed it that the duty of a woman to keep the home running and do the household chores. ‘I never used to help at home when my sister lived with us. Even when she married, I did not offer to help my mother with the household chores. After becoming involved with the campaign, I realize that such an attitude is misplaced and takes away the right of a woman to pursue other interests. I now make efforts to help my mother with housework and try and anticipate her needs. My mother is delighted with the change.’