An empowerment and education initiative in Jharkhand that equips adolescent girls with life skills, health awareness, and leadership training through the Sashakti Fellowship program.

To address gaps in secondary education for girls from disadvantaged communities, the Government of India established Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya (KGBV) residential schools. While these schools have improved access to education, many students still lack exposure to essential life skills, health awareness, and confidence-building opportunities. Ugam, an NGO based in Mumbai, works to bridge this gap by supporting adolescent girls and young women from marginalized communities. In partnership with the Jharkhand State Education Department, Ugam implemented a comprehensive intervention across KGBV schools in five districts of Jharkhand—one of India’s most economically challenged regions. The program is designed around three core pillars: Shiksha (learning), Shakti (health and wellness), and Abhivyakti (voice and agency). Through this integrated approach, the initiative focuses on building knowledge, improving health awareness, and empowering girls to express themselves and take leadership roles. With support from India Development Society (IDS), Ugam launched the Sashakti Fellowship Program, which trains young women to become leaders and role models within their communities. The fellowship focuses on developing critical thinking skills, encouraging community engagement, and strengthening personal agency. Trained fellows then conduct sessions in schools, expanding the program’s reach and impact. So far, 30 Sashakti Fellows have been trained, and they have collectively facilitated educational and leadership sessions across more than 70 KGBV schools. These efforts are helping young girls gain confidence, awareness, and the ability to make informed decisions about their lives. The impact of the program is reflected in stories like that of Beauty Mandal from Dumka district. Coming from a modest background, she became a Sashakti Fellow and gained knowledge on topics such as remedial education, library development, anemia, and menstrual hygiene. Today, she confidently travels independently, supports her family, and inspires other girls in her community to pursue education and leadership roles. Through a combination of education, mentorship, and empowerment, the initiative is nurturing a new generation of confident, informed, and socially conscious young women.