The Girl ‘Singhams’ of Mumbai

When the sun sets over the narrow lanes of Cheetah Camp and Sathe Nagar, the slums do not fall silent. Instead, a quiet watch begins. Eyes stay alert, footsteps remain steady, and courage walks hand in hand with determination. These are not policemen or politicians. They are girls—young, fearless, and lovingly called the Girl Singhams of Mumbai. On National Girl Child Day, their story deserves to be told.

For the past four years, twelve adolescent girls’ groups—made up of over 1,200 girls between the ages of 11 and 18—have transformed their communities from the inside out. Supported by child rights NGO, Child Rights and You (CRY), these girls have become protectors of their neighbourhoods, challenging practices that once felt unchangeable. Child marriage was one such reality.

“We have been educating the local community about the ill effects of early marriage,” says Simran Shaikh, leader of the Smart Adolescent Girls Group. Almost every evening, Simran Shaikh and her group walk through the community, listening carefully, staying vigilant, and keeping an eye out for families planning early marriages for their daughters. Their presence alone has begun to change mindsets.

“Our group has earned the trust of many families,” says Simran Shaikh, a 16-year-old member. “Parents now understand how education and empowerment can change a girl’s life.” In just a few months, six child marriages were stopped. The girls involved returned to school, their futures reclaimed.

“These girls identified cases early and took timely action,” explains Kumar Nilendu, General Manager – Programs, CRY-West. “With the support of facilitators and local authorities, they convinced families to stop the marriages. CRY has also ensured that a structured Life Skills building program is conducted for all the girl groups.” But the Girl Singhams did not stop there.

One afternoon, during a group meeting, the girls spoke about Karbala Maidan—the only playground they had. It was dark, unsafe, and neglected. There were no lights, no CCTV cameras, and the soil made it impossible to play cricket or football properly. Instead of accepting this, the girls picked up pens.

They wrote letters. They met the police. They walked into the MLA’s office—together. Soon, red soil was laid, lights were installed, and CCTV cameras watched over the maidan. What was once unsafe became a place of laughter, games, and freedom.

Then came another battle—illegal alcohol. “We felt unsafe walking through our own lanes,” recalls Asmita Sharma, one of the group leaders. “Drunk men would sit near the entrance of the lane. There was harassment. Fear became normal.”

Fifty girls gathered. They discussed. They wrote letters again. Sixty of them marched to the police station and filed a complaint against an illegal liquor shop. The shop was shut down. Silence returned—but this time, it was peaceful.

The girls also noticed children missing from school. They went door to door, speaking to families, encouraging dropouts to return to education. With their support, 15 adolescent girls were admitted to college—an unimaginable dream for many just a few years ago. Dark lanes were their next concern. Evenings felt unsafe. Once more, letters were written, voices raised. Solar-powered street lights soon illuminated every lane, bringing relief not just to girls, but to entire families.

Regular group meetings have transformed these girls. They speak without fear now. They approach the police, the MLA, and municipal officials with confidence. They listen to shy children, encourage them to speak, and stand up for their rights—firmly, yet respectfully. They are not superheroes in uniforms. They are daughters, students, and neighbours. They are proof that when girls are empowered, communities rise.

And as the nation celebrates National Girl Child Day, the Girl Singhams of Mumbai stand tall—guarding their futures, one brave step at a time.

CRY – Child Rights and You is an Indian NGO that believes in every child’s right to a childhood – to live, learn, grow and play. For over four decades, CRY and its 850 initiatives have worked with parents and communities to ensure Lasting Change in the lives of more than 3,000,000 underprivileged children, across 19 states in India. For more information please visit us at www.cry.org.