Adolescent Girl Empowerment

Adolescence: A Crucial Phase of Growth and Change

Adolescence — defined by the Government of India as the age between 10 and 19 years — is one of the most transformative stages of human development. It is a period of discovery, learning, and transition, when young people begin to form their identity, values, and aspirations for the future.

With 253 million adolescents, India has the largest adolescent population in the world, where every fifth person is between 10 and 19 years old. This demographic presents an incredible opportunity for shaping the nation’s future — yet, it also faces immense challenges.

Why We Work with Adolescent Girls in Low-Income Communities

In low-income communities, adolescence often unfolds in environments marked by limited access to education, restricted mobility, and rigid social norms. Both adolescent girls and boys lack access to information and safe spaces to develop critical life skills. However, girls face additional layers of vulnerability stemming from deep-rooted gender biases that affect their choices, safety, and freedom.

In the communities where Prayaas works, we observe that girls’ education, mobility, and life decisions are frequently controlled by their families. The centrality of marriage often defines their adolescence, with many girls opting for early marriage instead of reimagining their future through education and empowerment.

Challenges Faced by Adolescent Girls

Adolescent girls in marginalized communities face numerous barriers:

• Early school dropout due to socio-economic conditions, household responsibilities, child labour, or early marriage.
• Limited access to menstrual hygiene facilities and information, leading to stigma and absenteeism.
• Lack of career guidance and vocational opportunities relevant to their aspirations.
• Health and nutrition challenges, with little awareness of adolescent well-being.
• Exposure to gender-based violence and digital safety threats in an increasingly online world.
• Entrenched gender norms that limit their confidence, self-expression, and decision-making.

These challenges not only hinder their personal growth but also perpetuate cycles of inequality within communities.

Our interventions include:

• Leadership and life skills development: Enhancing communication, negotiation, and decision-making abilities.
• Awareness and education sessions: Covering topics such as menstrual health and hygiene, nutrition, body literacy, gender equality, and digital safety.
• Career readiness and vocational training: Connecting girls to skill-building opportunities to enhance employability and independence.
• Community engagement: Encouraging girls to take leadership roles in campaigns, events, and peer-led discussions.
• Celebrating talents: Nurturing and showcasing their creative and extracurricular potential through various programs and public forums.

Through these structured initiatives, adolescent girls begin to see themselves as leaders — capable of challenging stereotypes, influencing change, and shaping a more equitable future.

Building the Foundation for Scale-Up

Our work with adolescent girls in Mahabirtala and K.P. Roy Lane has already shown encouraging signs of transformation. As girls gain confidence and knowledge, they inspire peers and families to reimagine what’s possible.

Looking ahead, Prayaas envisions expanding the Adolescent Empowerment Programme to more low-income communities. With strategic partnerships, enhanced resources, and continued community engagement, we aim to scale up our interventions to reach more adolescent girls — ensuring every girl can grow with dignity, dream without fear, and lead with confidence.

Our Commitment

By combining awareness, education, and empowerment, we are nurturing a generation of strong, aware, and compassionate young leaders.

Our work aligns with key national initiatives such as Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP), Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram (RKSK), SABLA Scheme, and the Child Marriage Prohibition Act, ensuring that every girl has the opportunity, knowledge, and confidence to realize her full potential.

At Prayaas, we believe that when adolescent girls lead, communities transform. Together, we can build a future where every girl’s potential is limitless.