January 31, 2025
In the villages of Bundelkhand, adolescent girls face multiple barriers — early marriage pressure, limited education opportunities, and social restrictions that confine their choices. Lokpath Charitable Trust’s Azadi Kishori Manch (AKM) program is changing this narrative, one group at a time.
What is Azadi Kishori Manch?
Azadi Kishori Manch — literally “Freedom Girls’ Platform” — is a community-based group model that brings together adolescent girls aged 10–19 in safe, supportive spaces. The groups meet regularly to discuss their lives, challenges, and aspirations, guided by trained facilitators from Lokpath.
The Power of Peer Support
One of the most transformative aspects of AKM is peer learning. When girls see their friends pursuing education, speaking confidently, or standing up for their rights, it creates a ripple effect of inspiration.
Kajal Rajput, who had dropped out of school, rejoined Class 11 after her AKM group gave her the confidence and encouragement she needed. Namrata, another group member, now leads her own group and has helped 6 other girls gain higher education admission.
What Happens in an AKM Group?
Each AKM session typically includes:
- Life skills training — Communication, decision-making, and problem-solving
- Rights awareness — Understanding legal rights, entitlements, and government schemes
- Health education — Menstrual hygiene, nutrition, and reproductive health
- Leadership development — Public speaking, group facilitation, and advocacy
- Exposure visits — Field trips to inspire and broaden horizons
Impact: Numbers Behind the Change
- 24 Azadi Kishori groups formed across 25 villages
- 464 girls actively participating
- 23 out-of-school girls successfully re-enrolled
- 124 Champion Girls trained as peer leaders
Looking Ahead
As we expand our AKM program to new villages, we are focused on deepening the quality of support — strengthening girls’ economic aspirations, improving linkages with vocational training, and ensuring that every girl who enters an AKM group has a clear pathway to her chosen future.
The girls of Bundelkhand have dreams. Our job is to help clear the path.