Introduction: Leading the Charge for Gender Parity

At the forefront of the Gender and Development (GAD) process, Leela Foundation is unwavering in its commitment to building a society that prizes participation, empowerment, equity, sustainability, and human rights. Our mission revolves around empowering individuals, particularly young girls, fostering self-determination, and nurturing the potential in every individual.

Empowering Over Two Decades

For over 25 years, Leela Foundation has been a beacon of change, actively dismantling Orthodoxy, Illiteracy, and Ignorance. Our initiative is focused on transforming societal perceptions to educate and empower young girls, which is crucial for closing the gender gap and achieving gender equality.

The Journey to Gender Equity

Our comprehensive approach to gender equity includes centralizing gender in development, deciphering social norms, embracing GAD, linking welfare and economy, and showcasing the transformative power of empowerment. We celebrate our program’s achievements in promoting gender equality and address the global concern for gender equality.

India’s Gender Gap: A Pressing Concern

India’s ranking of 127 out of 146 countries in the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2023 serves as a stark reminder of the challenges ahead. This ranking, reflecting significant gender disparities, emphasizes the critical need for concerted efforts like those of Leela Foundation.

Eradicating Discrimination and Combating Child Marriage: A Dual Focus

Our unwavering commitment at Leela Foundation is twofold: to eradicate gender-based discrimination and to combat the global issue of child marriage. We focus on abolishing practices like child marriage and early motherhood, recognizing that these are significant barriers impeding the development and growth of young women. Child marriage, in particular, poses severe health risks and economic implications. Notably, India is home to one in three of the world’s child brides. By prioritizing action against this practice in India, we are dedicated to safeguarding and empowering young girls, ensuring they have the opportunities and support needed to thrive and contribute to society.

“Give Her A Voice”: Empowering India’s Future

Our initiative “Give Her A Voice” is dedicated to empowering India’s large adolescent girl population. Recognizing their untapped potential, we are committed to investing in their development, which is essential for the nation’s progress.

Customized Curriculum

We understand that each girl is unique, and our curriculum is tailored to address the specific challenges they face. Topics such as adolescent health, menstrual hygiene, early pregnancies, forced marriages, sexual violence, nutrition, family life skills, and gender knowledge are covered comprehensively. We empower girls with digital skills, educate them about gender discrimination and social issues, and emphasize the importance of Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH) for maintaining good health. Community engagement and communication are essential components of our holistic approach.

Certification for Validation

Upon completing the program, the girls receive a certification that not only acknowledges their educational achievement but also validates their commitment to self-improvement.

Lead Girls: Nurturing Future Leaders

Leela Foundation commitment to long-term sustainability led to the creation of the “Lead Girls” initiative. In each program batch, two exceptional girls are identified as “Lead Girls.” These promising individuals undergo specialized training in gender, rights, and leadership. They then become change agents within their communities, organizing training sessions, events, and community mobilization efforts. This initiative not only nurtures future leaders but also creates a ripple effect of positive change.