1. Introduction:

    Swabhiman Samiti launched a three-day training program for staff and volunteers under its Adolescent Empowerment Project, starting on March 26, 2025, at Hotel Lagan Palace, Siddharthnagar. The training aims to build the capacity of frontline workers to address key issues affecting adolescent girls, such as menstrual hygiene, education, early marriage, and participation in sports.

    The program was inaugurated with a lamp-lighting ceremony by Mr. Rajesh Kumar Sharma, District Program Manager, National Health Mission. In his address, Mr. Sharma commended the efforts of the team and stated, “You all are doing excellent work. A strong team has been built. My heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to everyone working to give a new direction to women’s empowerment.”

    Objectives:
    • To train staff and volunteers on essential adolescent health and rights topics.
    • To strengthen the capacity of the project team in community-based engagement with girls and families.
    • To create awareness about critical issues such as menstrual hygiene, child marriage, girls’ education, and violence against women.
    • To encourage volunteers to promote girl-led participation in sports and leadership activities.
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Participation and Activities:
  1. Participants:
    • A total of 26 individuals were enrolled in the training: 20 community volunteers and 6 core project staff.
    • All participants are directly involved in field implementation under the Adolescent Empowerment Project in Siddharthnagar district.
  2. Training Themes:
    • Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM): Practical guidance on awareness-building and distribution of hygiene kits.
    • Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG): Understanding different forms of violence and community-based response mechanisms.
    • Continuity of Girls’ Education: Strategies to motivate families and retain girls in school.
    • Early Marriage and Its Harmful Effects: Legal, health, and social consequences of child marriage.
    • Encouraging Girls in Sports: Using sports as a tool for empowerment, leadership, and confidence building.
  3. Trainers and Facilitators:
    • The sessions were facilitated by a dedicated team of experienced trainers, including:
      • Mamta Verma
      • Sambhavati
      • Suman Sahni
      • Priyanka Chaudhary
      • Vinod Kumar Prajapati
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Impact and Outcomes:
  • The training aims to equip all 26 participants with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to work effectively with adolescent girls in their communities.
  • By the end of the three-day program, volunteers will be better prepared to lead awareness campaigns, provide basic counseling, and engage stakeholders on gender and health issues.
  • The sessions are expected to enhance community-level outreach, reduce dropout rates among girls, and improve adolescent health practices in the target areas.