Highlighting the importance of ambition and self-reliance, Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty (SERP) CEO Divya Devarajan urged girls to set high goals for their education, health, and overall empowerment. She said that young girls must move forward with confidence, develop life skills, and work towards achieving economic independence and social dignity.
Speaking at a meeting held at the Vajra Abhinandan Banquet Hall in Gadwal on Saturday, organised by SERP in collaboration with UNICEF, Divya Devarajan interacted with adolescent girls from the SNEH (Safety, Nutrition, Empowerment, and Health) groups. The programme focused on creating awareness about gender equality, education, health, and personal development among rural adolescent girls.
This topic is especially important because education and empowerment for girls are not just social goals — they are essential steps towards building stronger and more equitable communities. When girls are healthy, educated, and confident, entire families and villages prosper. Writing about this initiative matters because it reflects the growing focus on grassroots change, where community-based programmes like SNEH can create lasting social transformation.
Empowerment Through Education and Health
During her address, Divya Devarajan said that education is the foundation of empowerment. She encouraged girls to continue their studies despite challenges and to take advantage of various government and NGO schemes designed to support female education. “Education gives you voice, confidence, and the ability to make decisions that shape your life,” she told the participants.
She also stressed the importance of health awareness among adolescent girls. Good nutrition, hygiene, and regular health check-ups, she said, are vital to ensure that girls grow into healthy, strong women capable of contributing meaningfully to society.
SNEH Programme: Building Confidence and Leadership
The SNEH initiative aims to promote the Safety, Nutrition, Empowerment, and Health of adolescent girls, especially in rural areas. It provides them with platforms to learn about menstrual health, financial literacy, digital awareness, and leadership. Through community-based meetings and mentorship sessions, the programme is helping young girls gain confidence and overcome traditional barriers.
Divya Devarajan appreciated the efforts of SNEH groups in Gadwal and across Telangana, saying that such grassroots programmes help break stereotypes and open new opportunities. “Girls should not limit themselves to traditional roles. They should aspire to become doctors, engineers, teachers, administrators, and entrepreneurs,” she said.
Collaboration Between SERP and UNICEF
The collaboration between SERP and UNICEF has been instrumental in reaching thousands of adolescent girls in rural Telangana. Together, they are conducting awareness campaigns, skill-building workshops, and life skills education programmes that prepare girls for higher studies and future careers.
Officials from the education and health departments, community resource persons, and representatives from local self-help groups were also present at the event. They interacted with the participants and shared information about available schemes, scholarships, and support networks for girls.
Focus on Economic Independence
The SERP CEO underlined that economic independence is the key to empowerment. She encouraged girls to learn financial literacy, savings, and entrepreneurship skills. She said, “When girls earn and manage money, they gain respect in society and the ability to make their own decisions. Financial freedom brings both confidence and security.”
A Growing Shift in Rural Mindsets
Programmes like SNEH show how rural communities are gradually shifting towards inclusive growth. Parents are being encouraged to prioritise their daughters’ education and delay early marriage. Teachers and local leaders are being trained to support and mentor girls through school and beyond.
This transformation is a reminder that empowerment starts at home and in local communities. By nurturing ambition and confidence in young girls, such initiatives are shaping the next generation of strong, self-reliant women.
