Today I joined the She Matters Peace Walk at Wadia College Chowk. I was a little nervous because I always wonder what role men like me can really play in all this. I am not very good with big speeches or fancy English, but I came because I wanted to
support and understand more.
I was helping the college group. Many of them already know why safety and respect are important, but walking together made the message feel stronger. Some boys were holding placards that said “Respect is everyone’s responsibility,” and when people on the road stopped to read it, I felt proud. Sometimes one line can start a new thought in someone’s mind.
The moment that really made me feel different was seeing the Class Six girls walking so seriously. They are so young, but their faces looked very confident. Their posters were almost bigger than them, but they still carried them with full focus. I keep thinking, if such small girls understand this, then why do so many adults not.
During the walk I heard two college boys talking. One boy saying that staying silent when someone is being harassed is also wrongs. Hearing boys say this to each other made me feel hopeful. Change in men has to start from boys, not only from trainings or rules.
Today I understood something clearly. She Matters is not only for women. It is for everyone. And men also have to walk this path, not just watch from the side.
I am not perfect and my English is not great, but I know I want to keep volunteering. I want to be someone who stands with girls and women, not someone who stays quiet from the side. Today I felt responsible in a good way, like I also taking a part in making places safer.
Sahil, Age 23
SHE Matters – Peace Walk
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