Ankur’s Parental Engagement Initiative

This year, in honor of the International Day of the Girl Child (October11), Ankur took a critical step toward fostering girls’ empowerment by engaging with the people who influence their lives the most—their parents. Under the theme “Girl Vision for the Future,” Ankur hosted Focused Group Discussions (FGDs) and Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) to better understand parents’ hopes, concerns, and expectations for their daughters. These conversations have provided invaluable insights, which will guide IHF’s future initiatives aimed at creating a more equitable environment for girls.
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Parental Perspectives: A Window into Challenges andAspirations

The discussions offered a candid look at the dual realities many families face. On one hand, parents expressed immense pride in their daughters’ achievements. On the other, they acknowledged the persistent social and economic challenges that threaten girls' progress.
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Parents highlighted issues such as early marriage, which remains a pressing concern, particularly in rural areas. Despite growing awareness of the importance of education, financial constraints and societal pressures often lead families to prioritize the education of boys over that of their sisters. Deep-rooted gender norms continue to limit mobility and opportunities for girls, shaping decisions about their futures.

Yet, a shift is underway. Many parents voiced aspirations for their daughters to break traditional barriers, pursue higher education, and build careers as professionals—becoming doctors, engineers, or educators. These conversations revealed a collective hope for a future where girls not only excel academically but also lead fulfilling personal and professional lives.

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Key Barriers to Girls’ Empowerment

Several recurring challenges surfaced during the FGDs and KIIs:

• Economic Constraints and Early Marriage: Despite progress, financial hardship often forces families to prioritize short-term stability, leading to early marriages or favoring boys’ education.
• Cultural Norms and Safety Concerns: Restrictions on girls’ mobility and societal expectations around gender roles persist, impacting their access to opportunities.
• Limited Job Opportunities for Women: Parents expressed concern  about the lack of employment prospects for girls, particularly in rural areas, even after completing their education.
• Emotional Well-Being: Parents acknowledged the importance of open communication to support their daughters’ mental health and confidence.

Building a Supportive Ecosystem for Girls

Despite the obstacles, these conversations reflected a growing optimism. The parents interviewed, increasingly see education as the key to unlocking their daughters’ potential and expressed a strong desire for programs that can support girls in non-traditional fields like medicine or technology.
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The Ankur Project plans to focus on raising awareness in the community and family through campaigns to address gender norms and highlight the importance of girls’ education. In the days ahead, we will prioritize fostering the emotional well-being of both our girl and boy students, creating and expanding safe spaces where they can openly share their experiences related to mental health and overall well-being.

A Collective Effort Toward Change

The International Day of the Girl Child reminds us that every girl holds limitless potential. By working with parents, educators, and community, Ankur aims to create a more inclusive and supportive environment where girls can thrive. With your support, we can turn these aspirations into actions that lead to lasting, meaningful change.

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