How is the Saksham Yuvika Project Transforming the Lives of Adolescent Girls in Gujarat?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The Saksham Yuvika Project is a transformative initiative for adolescent girls.
- It focuses on health, nutrition, and empowerment.
- The project has significantly reduced dropout rates.
- Educational sessions cover vital topics for girls’ development.
- Real-time monitoring is facilitated through a dedicated mobile app.
Gandhinagar, Dec 21 (NationPress) A remarkable initiative by the Gujarat government is paving the way for transformative changes in the lives of adolescent girls in Navsari district. The Saksham Yuvika Project, initiated three years ago by the district panchayat, emphasizes the physical and mental well-being, nutritional needs, and awareness of girl students in primary schools.
This project facilitates regular health check-ups, expert-led counselling sessions, and career guidance for girls, leading to a notable reduction in the school dropout rate. In 2025 alone, over 7,000 girls from 202 schools have benefitted from this initiative.
A dedicated Saksham Yuvika mobile app has also been developed for real-time monitoring of the project’s impact.
According to Pushpalata, District Programme Officer, ICDS, Navsari, the 'Saksham Yuvika Project', introduced three years ago by the Navsari District Panchayat on behalf of the Gujarat government, is receiving considerable recognition due to its success.
This initiative organizes diverse activities aimed at adolescent girls in primary schools, particularly those in classes 7 and 8, focusing on their physical and mental health, empowering them, and fostering self-reliance.
Regular health check-ups are conducted, and girls receive education from experts on vital topics such as menstrual hygiene, reproductive health, financial literacy, cybersecurity, and cyberbullying.
As per Komal Thakur, the project in-charge, relevant departments provide necessary guidance regarding future career options.
“The primary aim of the 'Saksham Yuvika Project' is to conduct health check-ups for adolescent girls and supply them with supplementary nutrition for improved health. It also educates them on the dangers of child marriage and teenage pregnancy, informs them about laws preventing violence against women, and guides them towards promising career opportunities,” she stated.
This year, special sessions were held in 202 primary schools in Navsari district to create awareness among over 7,000 adolescent girls.