India, home to around 120 million adolescent girls, faces pressing challenges in promoting their education, health, and independence. Many of these young women confront barriers such as limited access to formal education, early marriage, early pregnancy, and financial dependence.
These issues often result in a cyclical deprivation of opportunities, keeping them from reaching their full potential. The country ranks fourth in child marriage prevalence in South Asia, with an estimated 1.5 million girls married off before the age of 18 each year, which perpetuates health risks and limits agency among young women.
One critical issue is inadequate menstrual hygiene management, with 71% of Indian girls reportedly unaware of menstruation until they experience it for the first time. This lack of knowledge has significant consequences, including high rates of school dropout among adolescent girls due to the stigma and lack of support surrounding menstrual health. Additionally, early marriage and pregnancy continue to be prevalent; approximately 22% of births in India are to mothers under 18, increasing the risk of health complications and impeding girls’ prospects for personal and professional growth. Malnutrition and anaemia are also major concerns, with 54% of adolescent girls in India reported as anaemic, which not only affects their physical health but also impacts their ability to perform academically and economically.
As per Deccan Heralds report, several organisations and government programs have stepped up to address these critical issues. Nonprofits like Voice 4 Girls (V4G) are actively working to dismantle barriers by providing safe spaces where girls can gain essential knowledge on sexual and reproductive health, rights, and career planning. V4G’s programs help adolescent girls develop the confidence and skills to envision a future beyond early marriage and childbearing. Additionally, the Indian government’s Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram (RKSK) is making strides in adolescent health, addressing six core areas, including sexual and reproductive health, mental health, and nutrition. RKSK aims to improve the health and well-being of young people, thus supporting them in overcoming traditional constraints.
Empowering adolescent girls is essential for India’s progress and a key factor in achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By addressing the distinct needs of adolescent girls, India can unlock their potential, helping them become active contributors to their communities and agents of change in the nation’s future. Investing in their education, health, and rights is not just about achieving gender equity; it is crucial for leveraging India’s demographic dividend and creating a prosperous society.
