Breakthrough

Description

Breakthrough is a non-profit organization that works to end violence and discrimination against women and girls. It was founded in 2000 by Mallika Dutt and is based in India and the United States. The organization aims to change the cultural norms and systems that limit women’s freedom and safety, envisioning a world where girls and women live free from violence and inequality.

It works by partnering with communities, schools, media outlets and public institutions. Its tools include multimedia campaigns, community workshops, leadership training and public service announcements. It uses pop culture, music, video and games to shift attitudes on gender-based violence.

In India, Breakthrough runs programs across nine states, tackling early marriage, school dropout among girls, low workforce participation and unsafe public spaces. Its best known campaign, Bell Bajao, called on men to intervene against domestic violence and reached more than 130 million people. It has also run campaigns on immigrant rights and racial justice in the United States.