Marginalised girls in India regularly face school dropout, child labour, violence, abuse, sexual harassment, under-age marriage and early pregnancy. Girls have little or no control over their bodies or their futures. All of these issues have been exacerbated by Covid-19. Girls cannot be at school at the moment, and at home these risks are greater. School provides them with a safe space to confront and share these problems. Many girls may never get back to school but become permanent dropouts.

We have partnered with VOICE4Girls since 2016. VOICE helps girls by teaching them about reproductive health, their rights, and how to recognise, prevent and report abuse. They learn negotiation skills, enabling them to resist becoming child brides, child labourers or victims of abuse. VOICE also works with boys, teaching them the empathy and respect for girls and women that is critical for long lasting change. Due to the pandemic, VOICE are currently moving their programmes online.