Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #113004

Jennifer Yan¹, Shobha Arole, MBBS², Alison Morgan, MBBS, MPH³, Renuka Jadhav, MSW², and Connie Gates, MPH⁴. (1) School of Medicine, University of Melbourne, 39 St James Park Dr., Brighton, Victoria, 3186, Australia, (2) Comprehensive Rural Health Project (CRHP), PO, Jamkhed, Dist. Ahmednagar, 413 201, India, (3) Australian International Health Institute, University of Melbourne, 207 Bouverie St., Melbourne, 3010, Australia, (4) Jamkhed International Foundation, PO Box 291, Carrboro, NC 27510, 919-270-5977, connie@jamkhed.org

In rural India, women have little value and are considered a burden. From a young age girls are treated poorly and often refused education. Instead of attending school, girls begin working alongside their mothers in the home and on the field. Many are married in early adolescence and become mothers soon after. The Comprehensive Rural Health Project (CRHP), Jamkhed, India, works in empowering poor and marginalized communities. Recently, focus has turned to adolescent girls. CRHP's adolescent girl's program aims to promote physical, emotional, and mental growth. Within the context of a strong patriarchal society, the primary objective is to change perceptions towards women and attitudes about marriage. So far, approximately 1000 girls have participated. In a free and supportive environment, the girls learn about health, social issues, the rights of women; encouraged to express themselves through songs, dance, and drama. In addition, they are trained in skill building activities and karate for self-defense. A study was conducted to assess the impact of the program on the lives of girls. Methods--- observation of the program, including content and methods, interaction among girls and with leaders; interviews with key informants and participants; group discussions and participatory rapid appraisal activities. Results—Initial analysis shows that girls are more confident, empowered, and participate in decisions affecting their lives. They have improved diet, personal hygiene, and pursue higher education. The adolescent girls program transforms disempowered girls into empowered women who know their rights and the power of their voice.

Learning Objectives:

• To identify the key elements of a successful, participatory approach to improving the lives of adolescent girls in rural India.

Keywords: Adolescents, International, Community-Based Health Promotion

Related Web page: www.jamkhed.org

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.

Recorded presentation