Empowering Adolescents for Gender Justice and Child Protection

Location : Malda, Murshidabad

Praajak is implementing a youth-led initiative in the districts of Malda and Murshidabad, West Bengal, aimed at empowering 1,600 adolescents (1,000 girls and 600 boys) aged 12–18 years. Through the formation of 90 child and adolescent collectives, the programme strengthens leadership, promotes gender equality, and creates child-friendly community ecosystems.

The initiative equips young people to identify and respond to issues such as gender-based violence, child marriage, and violations of child rights. Guided by trained adolescent leaders, animators, and community stakeholders, the programme fosters meaningful participation of children and adolescents in decision-making processes, policy advocacy, and local governance.

By building awareness, leadership, and collective action, the programme seeks to create safer, more equitable communities where every child can grow, participate, and thrive.

At Praajak, we believe that every child and adolescent deserves the opportunity to grow up in a safe, inclusive, and empowering environment. Through this initiative, we work with adolescents across West Bengal to strengthen leadership, promote gender equality, and safeguard child rights.

The programme supports the formation of child and adolescent collectives that serve as platforms for learning, participation, and collective action. Young people are encouraged to identify challenges affecting their lives—including child marriage, gender-based violence, discrimination, and barriers to education—and to become active agents of change within their communities.

By nurturing leadership skills, strengthening community engagement, and building partnerships with families, schools, and local institutions, Praajak is helping create child-friendly communities where young people can participate in decisions that affect their lives. The initiative envisions a future where every adolescent has the confidence, knowledge, and support to realise their full potential and contribute to a more just and equitable society.

Our Approach

  • Building adolescent leadership and agency
  • Creating safe and inclusive spaces for participation
  • Strengthening community-based child protection mechanisms
  • Promoting gender equality and social inclusion
  • Facilitating dialogue between children, families, communities, and institutions

Impact We Aim for

Young people become informed, confident, and empowered to claim their rights, influence community decisions, and contribute to building safer and more equitable societies for all children.

Moments of Impact

Celebrating everyday stories of courage, collaboration, and positive change