The Taaron ki Toli workbook for adolescents to shift gender norms in schools in India

This workbook is part of a school-based gender equity curriculum created by Breakthrough called Taaron ki Toli, which is designed to shift attitudes, behaviour and aspirations that shape adolescents' lives.

Taaron ki Toli (meaning 'legion of stars') is a school-based gender equity curriculum developed by Breakthrough, a human rights organisation working in India. First launched in Haryana in 2012, it gives adolescents a safe space to explore how gender shapes their attitudes, behaviour and aspirations, and to take part in decisions that affect their own lives.

The curriculum is delivered through two companion workbooks covering 20 sessions over a two-year period. This workbook moves adolescents through three stages: 'know the change', where they reflect on their own values, goals and gender identity; 'be the change', where they build skills to talk about issues like gender discrimination; and 'shape the change', where they apply what they have learned to their school and community.

The approach has been tested through a randomised controlled trial by the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL), which found measurable shifts in participants' attitudes towards women's employment, girls' education and gender equitable behaviour.

This resource is from Breakthrough, an organisation working to make violence against women and girls unacceptable, using media, community mobilisation and school based programmes to shift gender norms across India.

Key messages

• Taaron ki Toli is a school-based gender equity curriculum created by Breakthrough, designed to shift the attitudes, behaviour and aspirations that shape adolescents' lives.
• The programme addresses three areas: attitudes (towards education, employment, women's roles and fertility), behaviours (such as interaction between genders, household chores and girls' mobility and decision-making) and aspirations (education and career goals, particularly for girls).
• This workbook – Volume 1 of the series — for adolescents guides them through stages of self-reflection, communication skills and community action.