Kashish Shekhawat, an enthusiastic youth leader with the Go Nisha Go (GNG) program from Jaipur, believes that the game has immensely helped girls gain confidence and improve knowledge about sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and choices. “In our society, knowledge sharing about SRH continues to be limited and stereotyped, and GNG addresses that issue in a creative, technological way,” said Kashish.
The 19-year-old resident of Karni Nagar, Jaipur, wants to become a young leader that creates a society for the coming generations to speak openly and safely about SRH. “Becoming associated with the implementation of GNG is a step in this direction,” said Kashish.
Kashish, who is in the first year of her Bachelor of Science at University Maharani College in Jaipur, Rajasthan, believes that the GNG game helps the overall development of youth: not only did she find the game improves decision-making with respect to contraceptive methods, SRH, etc., but also the game helps young girls and boys to make well-rounded choices in education, career, relationships, etc.
Kashish, who was a part of the GNG International Youth Day celebrations (organised by Restless Development India and All India Welfare Society in Jaipur) in August this year, described that activities held on this important day were reflective of Restless Development’s values and the significance of youth leadership. The Youth Leaders were asked questions about menstruation, contraceptive methods, etc., and Kashish observed that everyone present spoke openly and without shame.
“It might just seem like yet another game, but the truth is, it could even go on to break cycles of poverty, by aiding better career, educational, and family planning decisions,” observed Kashish.
Kashish, who is a keen social worker and activist, envisions being part of youth networks that are aware of these knowledge gaps and work towards addressing them. Strengthening youth as leaders in the societies they belong to, and for the causes they care deeply about, is a matter at the centre of Kashish’s heart and praxis, she said. “By conducting meetings and other activities, I am trying to lead other young people, especially girls, to take their decisions in the context of SRH, career, education, relationships, and many more things, just as Nisha would do,” said Kashish.