Samtha Yuva Jagar

19.6% of India's Population (253 Million individuals) are in the age group of 10 - 19 years (2011 census). These adolescents represent a major potential human resource for the overall development of a nation, India's adolescents face several development challenges including early and forced marriages, adolescent pregnancy access to health services, gender inequalities, access to gainful employment etc.

The 'Samata Yuva Jagar' project was initiated to empower adolescent boys and girls by equipping them with information related to growing up, improving their skill base and enhancing their attitudes to and practice of gender equality through a gender transformation approach. The program was launched on 2nd October 2015 in 25 colleges of Satara. As part of the program, 625 'Adolescent Change Makers' were enrolled.

The Change Makers were provided information on Health, Growing Up and Gender related issues using a life skills approach so that they could make informed choices in relation to their health and well-being and also demonstrate leadership qualities. The change makers initiated a campaign around critical issues concerning them such as Dowry, Early Marriage, Sex Selection, Violence against women etc.

A Samata rally with the participation of all Change Makers was organised on the 6th of December 2015. A youth festival with various activities like Debates, Street Theatre, Poster Making, Essay Writing, Wall Painting etc was also organised.