What is the Adolescent Girls Group and why is it crucial for empowering girls in vulnerable communities?
The Adolescent Girls Group is a cornerstone of our Children’s Activity Centres, aimed specifically at empowering girls aged 13-18. These groups create a safe space where girls can openly express themselves and engage in conversations that may be difficult to have at home, such as menstrual hygiene, personal safety, and other issues relevant to adolescent girls.
In many of the communities we serve, sensitive topics like menstruation and personal safety are often stigmatized, leaving girls feeling isolated and unprepared.
By offering this group, we ensure these girls have a platform to voice their concerns and access vital information, empowering them to lead confident, informed lives.
What key issues do girls discuss in the Adolescent Girls Group?
No topic is off-limits – some of the most pressing issues discussed include:
- Self-defence training: Many girls have expressed interest in learningskills like karate to increase their personal safety.
- Unsafe streets: A lack of adequate street lighting in their neighborhoods increases the risks girls face when walking home after dark.
- Sanitation issues: Poor sanitation facilities and non-functional toilets are significant concerns that impact the health and well-being of girls in these communities.
These discussions help us address immediate needs while advocating for long-term change.
How does the Adolescent Girls Group address menstrual health and hygiene?
Menstrual health is a critical focus of our work with adolescent girls.
Many of the girls in our programs have limited knowledge about safe menstrual hygiene practices and often feel embarrassed when menstruating for the first time.
Through our group sessions, we provide essential education on menstrual health, including the safe disposal of sanitary products and regular health check-ups to monitor conditions such as anaemia. We also work to break down the stigma and myths surrounding menstruation in these communities, ensuring girls have access to the products and support they need to maintain good health.
Can you share an inspiring story from one of the girls in the programme?
One inspiring story is that of Harini, a 15-year-old girl who stopped attending both school and the Adolescent Girls Group when she started menstruating.
She felt embarrassed and unprepared, which caused her to withdraw from her education and social life.
The other girls in the group noticed her absence and decided to visit her at home. After a supportive conversation and some peer encouragement, Harini felt empowered to re-join the group and return to school. With the support of her peers, she now feels more confident to continue her education and pursue her goals.
How does Railway Children extend support beyond the Adolescent Girls Group?
Our work doesn’t stop at the group level. Railway Children extends its support through regular outreach visits to communities. These visits aim to educate more adolescent girls on menstrual health, challenge taboos around menstruation, and provide medical checks to ensure their overall well-being.
This outreach is essential for expanding our reach and supporting as many vulnerable girls as possible.
Together we can empower girls to break barriers and change their futures.
