What does proper nutrition mean to adolescent girls who grow up navigating gender norms, caste barriers and limited access to essential services? As part of The Hunger Project-India’s Enhancing Nutrition Outcomes initiative, we heard from adolecent girls from Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha and Rajasthan.
In learning circles, girls shared how THP-India’s sessions helped them understand health, nutrition, menstrual hygiene and their rights. For many, this was the first time anyone had explained these topics in simple and accessible ways. “Before this, nobody came to us and decoded complicated concepts about health and nutrition,” said 16-year-old Kavita and 15-year-old Seema from Madhya Pradesh.
Girls spoke openly about their misconceptions around menstrual health, especially fears associated with iron and folic acid tablets. Today, this community-led education approach, is dismantling many of these myths. Now, girls like Asha, 14, from Karnataka never miss their weekly dose. “I understand its benefits during our menstrual cycle. I need to take them and combine them with good nutrition for proper growth.”
Practical guidance on menstrual hygiene has also supported immediate behavior change. In Rajasthan, 21-year-old Gunjan shared how she learned safer ways to use and dispose of sanitary materials. Others described gaining awareness of government take-home rations, which play a crucial role for girls who no longer receive mid-day meals.
Many girls have started kitchen gardens at home, which has helped improve their nutrition with vegetables and seasonal fruit such as leafy greens, papaya, and guava. “We have much more choice now,” said 13-year-old Lomi Jaani from Odisha.
Improved nutrition is also shaping girls’ aspirations. Deepa, 19, from Madhya Pradesh explained how fatigue once kept her out of school. “Now I look forward to enrolling again.” In Odisha, 19-year-old Jaspa Saurabu supports her family’s jewelry business and learned digital payment management through a THP financial literacy session. “It has helped a great deal; I feel I am valuable,” she said.
I feel I am valuable.
For many Dalit girls, or girls from one of India’s lowest castes, these spaces are especially encouraging. “Attending these meetings is helping us claim more agency and our equal right to nutrition,” Seema shared.
Across India, we are creating safe, affirming spaces where girls can build knowledge, challenge harmful norms and strengthen their confidence. By centering their leadership, we continue to advance the right to nutrition, dignity and opportunity for adolescent girls.
Photo Credit: India, 2025 © The Hunger Project
The post “I Feel I Am Valuable.” Stories of Girl’s Empowerment in India appeared first on The Hunger Project.
