Cequin - Centre for Equity and Inclusion (A Unit of Jai Jawan Jai Kisan Trust)

CEQUIN has been actively empowering women and girls from vulnerable communities since 2009, with a focus on education, skill development, and sustainable livelihoods. The organisation strives to create awareness about the importance of financial independence for individuals and community progress. Through workshops, job fairs, vocational training, and initiatives like CEQUIN craft, CEQUIN fosters self-reliance and self-sufficiency among women and girls. This intervention has resulted in positive changes, including increased school attendance, a growing interest in skill acquisition, and the formation of self-help groups. CEQUIN's efforts centre around education, school retention, skill development, and nurturing career aspirations for achieving financial independence.

In 2011, a programme was initiated to introduce football to girls from vulnerable communities in Jamia Nagar. These girls, primarily from underprivileged, conservative Muslim backgrounds, underwent a significant transformation in confidence and outlook. The programme's positive influence extended beyond the girls themselves, impacting their families and communities. As a result, it expanded and is now successfully implemented in vulnerable communities and schools across Delhi and Nuh (formerly Mewat), Haryana. CEQUIN currently leads the National Alliance for Women's Football in India, supporting the development of girl football players nationwide, from the grassroots to the national level.

Since its establishment in 2009, CEQUIN has actively engaged with men and boys, recognizing their role as part of the solution. Notably, campaigns like 'Respect Women Respect Delhi' with the Delhi Daredevils and Mardo Wali Baat have effectively raised awareness and reshaped gender stereotypes in India. By sensitizing and informing boys, CEQUIN has empowered them to become agents of change within their communities. These boys act as advocates, challenging attitudes and practices, while also supporting women to defy stereotypes and overcome patriarchal mindsets. The ultimate aim is to develop a cohort of sensitized boys and men who champion gender equity, empower women and girls, and become influential leaders in advocating for equality.

With a grassroots presence since its inception, CEQUIN established a Gender Resource Centre in Jamia Nagar in 2009, which quickly expanded into a comprehensive community resource hub. This initiative intensified awareness among women and girls, empowering them to make informed decisions and speak out against injustice. The programme offered essential services such as information on laws, policies, schemes, and value-building sessions on responsible citizenship. The successful replication of this model in Mewat, Haryana, further expanded CEQUIN's outreach, amplifying its impact on increasing awareness of violence against women and girls and fostering community trust and sustainability.