When they’re not busy raising awareness about domestic violence, human rights, gender disparities and safe sexuality, some of the Breakthrough Rights Advocates are found to be capturing the very same behind lenses. In active partnership with local partners and grassroots organizations, Breakthrough Reporters document the process of social change as it happens in the communities with individual mindsets being challenged & re-oriented in the framework of human rights (especially for women) and development going hand in hand. Filmmakers in their own right, they script and shoot role-plays and dramas on identity, independence, individuality and awareness around different issues that threaten social justice.

This locally produced media is then showcased to the community in screenings, gatherings and through local film clubs. They’re also released on the Breakthrough Youtube Channel and circulated wide on social networking spaces.

Making Some Noise

When Pramod Tiwari first saw the Bell Bajao advertisement on television, he was left a little perplexed with the message behind the message behind the public service announcement. But his son helped him to understand that one should raise voice against domestic violence and that it is NOT a private affair. He soon got the opportunity to ring the bell when he heard the cries of a woman in his neighbourhood, who was physically abused her husband on a daily basis. Find out what he did to stop this.

Human Rights Training: Adolescent girls in Karnataka

Breakthrough conducted a training workshop with adolescent girls in a rural district in Karnataka. Breakthrough reporter asked them their ideas of being a woman and tolerating violence before and after the training. Be a personal witness to the transformation that happened.

Sarita Rang the Bell. Did you? 

Sarita, a young girl from a small city in India called Lucknow, never had the courage to interrupt the violence in her community. After training with Breakthrough, she came to understand how gender and violence were related and she eventually overcame her fear and apprehensions and rang the bell when she next heard a woman’s cries. Empowered by the training, she shares her knowledge with other girls and women in her colony so they too can take action for themselves or a neighbour next door.

What’s in a Name?

Meet _____. Her husband calls her his ‘sweetheart’. For her children, she is their ‘dear mother’. But now she’s in a big dilemma as to what was she known as originally and what has she come to be after adopting these roles?

Meet the Breakthrough Reporters

Ashish Dubey (Uttar Pradesh)

Ashish did his Masters in Population Studies and Rural Development from Lucknow University. He develops videos/ films on child education rights, their gratification and most pressing issues in our communities and screens them to discuss it with youth groups and communities. He is also a founder member of Vayam, an NGO that works towards issues related to HIV/AIDS and has around five years of experience in the Child education, Human rights, Domestic Violence.

Uday Jyotigudde (Karnataka)

Uday Kumar Jyotigudde has been assisting Breakthrough for the past 4 years, in conducting trainings for marginalized youths, activists from different organizations, college students and grassroots’ women. He is a trained classical singer and leads Tharikita Kala Kammata committee, which promotes cultural activism using folk theatre like Yakshagana. He also organizes and hosts radio programs in Kannada. Apart from his contributions to the Bell Bajao! campaign, he also works on community projects on primary education and safe motherhood.