Recently, a ‘maulvi’ had come home to read ‘koran sharif’. While he tried to convince me to do namaj everyday, I persuaded him to become a Changemaker.

In January 07, YUVA took part in Kolkata Marathon”. We'd dedicated it to the 50 million missing women and ran with the 'We Can' banner and slogans. Many co-runners got involved and helped us carry the banner. Some of them even called us back, wanting to organise programmes.

"...I used to believe that women and girls are fated to face discrimination and violence, and there is nothing much to be done. But now feel this can Change. 'We Can' helped me identify my own gender bias. I was the typical boy who would change girlfriends often. But now I believe that one should be truthful in a relationship and maintain it.

I have spoken to each of my friends. I carry the 'We Can' kit everywhere, and talk to anybody and everybody. I have made my younger brother and four of his friends Changemakers.

'We Can' has become part of our life at YUVA, its like eating and sleeping; It has become sort of a responsibility to keep thinking and talking about it anywhere, anytime!..."

Azim Ud Doula

We Can Campaign Changemaker

Azim is the founder member of the youth group YUVA. This is an edited version of his original article. Also see his friend Arshad's article

March 2007