Implemented in 45 schools across Mumbai since 2008, Parivartan has used the influence of cricket coaches as role models in the lives of adolescent boys. Coaches are trained to promote gender-equitable attitudes among young athletes between 10 and 16 years old, teaching them about respect for girls and women.

Impact

Parivartan means "transformation". And that seems to be what the programme is achieving.

The International Center for Research on Women (ICRW) released findings in May 2012 in ‘Engaging Coaches and Athletes in Fostering Gender Equity.’ The study asked three critical questions:

1. What changes occurred in gender and violence-related attitudes, perceptions and behaviours among the Parivartan athletes?
2. What effects did participation in the training and the overall programme have on the coaches?
3. What changes did the wives, mothers or daughters of the coaches and mentors perceive as a result of the men’s participation in the programme?

Results show a distinct positive shift in the attitudes of athletes as well as coaches and mentors towards gender equity and violence against women, and a promising indication of behavioural change as well.

Parivartan Plus

With funding from STRIVE, ICRW-ARO plans to take this model further, with a view to reducing HIV risk and vulnerability. Parivartan Plus will coach girls as well as boys and will include modules and activities to address:

• sexual and reproductive health
• HIV
• stigma
• substance use.

Resources

Publications

• Community mentors as coaches: transforming gender norms through cricket among adolescent males in urban India

Programme tools

• Parivartan manual for coaches
• Parivartan training cards

Videos

• ICRW Parivartan - coaching boys into men - short video about Parivartan in action 

Other resources

• Engaging coaches and athletes in fostering gender equity: Findings from the Parivartan Program in Mumbai, India - summary report
• Parivartan - changing gender norms through sport - photo gallery

News

• North-South learning on sport-based prevention
• Results from Parivartan highlight receptiveness among boys, coaches and their families to develop healthy attitudes towards girls
• How to make sports a viable medium for social change? ICRW India releases findings from the Parivartan program

Media

• Sports effective tool for change in gender issues: Study - covered by Mumbai News, Indian Gazette, Newkerala, Newstrack India, Yahoo News, Thaindian, Prokerala
• Taking gender issues to the cricket pitch - The Hindu Business Line
• Using cricket to talk about gender equality - blog by Dr Madhumita Das in The Huffington Post
• Growing boys into men - The Hindu
  
• On an equal wicket - The Hindu
• A reverse sweep - The Hindu
• Sachin bats for campaign against domestic violence - The Times of India
• Games can raise awareness on gender issues - The Times of India