12May2024

FFEC: Equal Opportunities, Entitlements and Empowerment

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Foundation for Equal Citizenship

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32/328 Trilokpuri  Road, Delhi 110091 
 info@foundationforequalcitizenship.org 

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+91 88007 59636
Author: Esha Khanna
Home Articles Posted by Esha Khanna
Uncategorized
April 11, 2024

Empowering Women: Foundation for Equal Citizenship’s Ramadan Special Classes

Foundation for Equal Citizenship (FFEC) has been at the forefront of empowering women through education and awareness. In a series of four Ramadan special classes, FFEC aimed to equip women with the knowledge and tools to maintain a proper diet during Ramadan and make fasting easier. These sessions delved into crucial aspects such as diet management, hydration, sugar intake, and recommended foods during Ramadan.

The first session focused on understanding the importance of a proper diet during Ramadan. Fasting can disrupt regular eating patterns, leading to nutritional imbalances. FFEC emphasized the significance of consuming a balanced diet comprising all essential nutrients to ensure good health and energy levels throughout the fasting period. Women were educated on incorporating foods rich in proteins, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals to support their overall well-being.

Hydration is paramount, especially during long hours of fasting. In the second session, participants learned about the importance of staying hydrated and strategies to maintain optimal water intake. FFEC provided practical tips on consuming water-rich foods, scheduling water consumption between iftar and suhoor, and avoiding excessive caffeine and sugary beverages that can lead to dehydration.

Sugar intake was another crucial topic discussed in the third session. Excessive sugar consumption can cause energy spikes and crashes, leading to fatigue and mood swings during fasting. FFEC educated women on identifying hidden sugars in processed foods and encouraged them to opt for natural sweeteners like dates, fruits, and honey, promoting sustained energy levels and better overall health.

The final session delved into specific foods recommended during Ramadan and those to avoid. FFEC highlighted the importance of incorporating complex carbohydrates for sustained energy release, lean proteins for muscle repair and satiety, healthy fats for hormonal balance, and fiber-rich foods for digestive health. Participants were also educated on limiting fried and sugary foods that can lead to bloating, fatigue, and weight gain.

Through these in-depth sessions, FFEC empowered women with practical knowledge and strategies to navigate Ramadan fasting effectively. Participants gained a deeper understanding of nutrition’s role in maintaining physical and mental well-being during fasting. Moreover, they were equipped with valuable insights on making informed food choices, promoting long-term health benefits beyond the Ramadan period.

The impact of these classes extended beyond individual participants, influencing families and communities to adopt healthier eating habits during Ramadan and beyond. By focusing on education and empowerment, FFEC continues to foster a culture of wellness and equality, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of gender, have the resources and support to lead healthy and fulfilling lives.

In conclusion, Foundation for Equal Citizenship’s Ramadan special classes exemplify their commitment to empowering women through education and awareness. These sessions not only provided practical guidance on maintaining a proper diet and making fasting easier but also fostered a sense of community and empowerment among participants. FFEC’s efforts contribute significantly to promoting health, equality, and well-being in society.

By Esha Khanna
Youth
March 21, 2024

Sumaila’s story of triumph over a patriarchal mindset

In many parts of the world, there persists a deeply rooted societal norm where girls are not given the same opportunities as boys when it comes to education and employment. This discriminatory practice denies girls the fundamental right to study and work, limiting their potential and widening gender inequality. Despite progress in gender equality movements, barriers continue to exist, hampering girls’ access to education and their ability to pursue careers.

Trilokpuri is one of the most backward suburbs in Delhi. Girls living in this locality still do not have access to education. Financial issues persist but the mindset too has a significant role in this. This is a story of a young girl who fought for her studies and Ffec plays a confidant role in this.

Sumaila is a 19-year-old girl who battled to take her career forward. She is pursuing a diploma in food technology through FFEC from Jamia Hamdard University. Her family disapproved of her studies because she was a girl. She is academically oriented and passionate about exploring.

“I took pleasure in studying, but my family refused to study. ‘ Don’t study, Don’t study’ they said. I convinced them and forced them that studies are crucial. There’s no difference between girls and boys. Girls should have access to education too. A boy doesn’t need to do everything.” Sumaila added.

Sumaila fought a long battle with her own family because of her studies. Her parents believed that a girl should get married as soon as possible. However, Sumaila did not want to tie the knot at the age of 19. At this point, she decided to choose her life and live her way. She did every possible thing to convince her family.

Sumaila joined the Foundation For Equal Citizenship NGO and this changed her life forever. Her mentors at FFEC supported her throughout and also made her family understand the importance of education. FFEC understood her financial issues and rendered a hand of aid.

Sumaila was combatting emotional trauma after her father and brother died. Her mental and physical capacity was drained. However, FFEC made her pass these hurdles and become a ray of bright light.

“My financial condition broke, but mentally I was strong about my career. I did not let go of my studies.” Sumaila added.

There are end number of girls who are still fighting for their rights. Sumaila triumphed over the patriarchal mindset and will continue to study. Her diligence, confidence and consistency are a source of inspiration for millions of girls.

By Esha Khanna
Women
March 1, 2024

Exploring Culinary Delights: Cooking Demonstration Classes at Our Women’s Center

Cooking is an ecstatic way of expressing yourself. It is more than just nourishment, it’s an art form that fetches people together. Foundation For Equal Citizenship’s Mahila Centre is the epitome of strength, resilience, knowledge and creativity. Cooking demonstration classes are conducted every week so that women get the knowledge they deserve.

The programme is run by Shaheen Baji and demonstration classes are executed by Al Saba. These classes provide a platform for women to explore new flavours, techniques, and recipes in a very inclusive environment. Women from every age group become a part of these vibrant classes.

FFEC believes in rendering the finest knowledge and mastery so that the future is bright and luminous. The session comprises almost 40 passionate women who have the thrill of learning something. The pedagogy of these classes believes in imbibing nutritional knowledge at a low budget. This means the mentors prepare budget-friendly meal ideas for pregnant, lactating, and anaemic ladies.

These classes are way more than just about food. They are a celebration of empowerment and self-discovery. As women come together they share joy, giggle, laughter, knowledge, never-ending stories and a lot more. This inclusivity builds a robust community. Through hands-on learning and interactive demonstrations, ladies gain the confidence to unleash their creativity and express themselves. These classes are followed by a competitive spirit where competitions are conducted.

Nutrition as everyone is aware helps curb the wasting in children and stunting. FFEC’s Mahila centre takes note of this and works constantly to bestow the knowledge of nutrition under budget.

The most rewarding aspect of these classes is the opportunity to share the pleasure of cooking with others. As these women hone their skills and discover budget-friendly healthy recipes, they become masters of flavours, spreading the culinary facet in their families.

Some delicious, budget-friendly dishes including energy choco bar, healthy makhana ball, sesame or jaggery laddu, Bajra churma laddu, poha, peanut chaat, healthy namkeen and moonglet have been prepared to date. From cooking to learning, FFEC’s community is growing and glowing. At our mahila centre, cooking is more than just a skill, it’s a gateway to empowerment and a progressive society.

As FFEC embark on a journey to strengthen the project ‘BUNIYAAD’, it also aspires to grow the community and inject exemplary knowledge. FFEC believes in providing practical exposure along with the theory. Women here enjoy themselves to the fullest and apply this skill set in their daily lives.

By Esha Khanna
Youth
February 7, 2024

Fardeen’s inspiring journey of transformation with FFEC

 “Earlier I used to be a gully boy type. Ever since I joined FFEC NGO, a lot of improvements came within me.” Says Fardeen.

Fardeen is a young 17-year-old lad who loves vlogging. He is ambitious, determined and full of zeal. He completely ignored his studies and indulged in vlogging. To grow in the field of vlogging, he proceeded towards a media house in Gurugram but faced rejection due to his insufficient academic record. This rejection taught him the prestige of studies. After having a backdrop for consecutive two years, Fardeen is standing strong and pursuing his 10th.

Fardeen used to work part-time where he made beautiful and enchanting handcrafted items. He says creating the video required some amount of money as we have to travel. He bought his hard-earned camera so that he could deliver the best videos. The grit he has for videography cannot be defined in words. He created his own YouTube channel where he gained 700+ subscribers in no time. It was his commitment which brought him this plate of success. However, he realised his studies were being affected drastically. His two years of academics faced backdrops. At this moment, he realised that he had to prioritize his studies over vlogging. When he joined the Foundation For Equal Citizenship NGO, his point of view transformed. His marks surged incredibly and he became single-minded towards his studies. 

Fardeen was a short-tempered boy. Joining hands with FFEC helped him overcome his anger issues. His nature became jolly, friendly and compatible.  

Fardeen says “I am on break, I will not leave vlogging. My priority is to complete my studies.”

After his 12th he will continue fulfilling his dream of becoming a blogger and FFEC stands in support of him. Today, Fardeen is a changed boy who is devoted, strong and full of enthusiasm. He has plenty of dreams which he promised himself to paint in reality. His family supports him and has faith that Fardeen will shine with flying colours.

By Esha Khanna