The Impact of Kishori Clubs in Empowering Adolescent Girls

Dec. 27, 2024, 3:56 p.m.

Adolescence is often marked by rapid changes and misinformation. According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) 2019-21, female dropout rates from secondary to higher secondary school in Karnataka are higher than males, and child marriage contributes to teenage pregnancies. Addressing these vulnerabilities, Kishori Clubs aim to empower girls with knowledge about their bodies and the world, enhancing their articulation and negotiation skills.

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Pooja, a Class 9 student from a Mysuru government high school, admitted she always felt self-conscious about her pimples and dark skin. She is a member of her school’s ‘Kishori Club’, a safe space for adolescent girls. During a session on ‘Body Image and Adolescence’, Pooja watched a video discussing body image, its influences, and challenging stereotypical beauty notions. The session prompted her to appreciate her features and vow to never undermine her appearance again.

Kishori Clubs are part of IT for Change’s Hosa Hejje Hosa Dishe (H2HD) programme, which collaborates with the Karnataka government to improve understanding and sensitivity towards adolescence. Established in 2023, 146 Kishori Clubs operate in Mysuru and Kalaburagi government schools. The clubs' curriculum covers physical and psychological changes, patriarchy, health, nutrition, body image, Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), Protection Of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO), life skills, and cyber safety.

Teachers, like facilitator Deepika from Mysuru, highlight the necessity of these sessions for adolescent girls. The clubs also extend their reach through Instagram (@kishoriadda) and the podcast Nan Voice Nan Choice. Students like Divya from Kalaburagi and Sandhya from Mysuru shared how learning about patriarchy and anaemia, respectively, transformed their perspectives and habits. Kishori Clubs are meant to develop solidarity among adolescent girls, providing a productive approach to addressing the personal and social challenges of adolescence.