Education and Empowerment

Education is widely perceived as an indicator of the status of women and even more importantly, as an agent for the empowerment of women.This study aims to understand the role of Mahila Samakhya (MS) in the empowerment of adolescent girls and women through Mahila Shikshan Kendra (MSK), an education based programme. Mahila Samakhya – meaning education for women’s equality - was launched in 1989 by the Government of India in pursuance of the goals of NPE (national policy on education) 1986. This Study attempts to measure empowerment element (positive changes in socio-economic status) taking place among trainees of MSK. In conclusion, study reflects that MSK has helped adolescents in making them aware about their rights and responsibilities and instilling in them decision-making power of one's own by making them able to choose and able to demand. MSK creates individual empowerment in adolescents and women and it would be spreading long term empowerment if the curriculum of the course extends to secondary level.