The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and SBI Foundation, on Friday launched Samridhhi in Chhatarpur District of Madhya Pradesh.
As part of UNFPA’s 12-nation Action for Adolescent Girl initiative, the first phase of the project will benefit over 3500 adolescent girls across approximately 150 villages in Bijawar and Badamalhara blocks. In the subsequent phase, Samridhhi will be scaled up to cover several other blocks and districts in the state.
While launching the project at Hotel la Capitol, in Chhatarpur, lalita Yadav, Minister for WCD said, “The strongest motivation to changealways come from within. By setting up a robust and effective network of peer educators and grassroots functionaries, Samridhhi Project will ensure that the process of empowerment of adolescent girls come from within these girls of 10-19 years.”
The project is targeted at adolescent girls in the age group 10-19, particularly those in the vulnerable sections and is designed to enhance their health, social and economic well-being. It also seeks to help young girls realize their aspirations, make informed and responsible choices in matters related to their health and well-being and enhance their overall value in their communities. In Chattarpur, where it will be implemented by DhartiSanstha – a well-known NGO.
Speaking about the programme Diego Palacios, Country Head, UNFPA, said, “After successful rollout in Rajasthan and Odisha, bringing this tried-and tested project to MP as Samridhhi is indeed a big step forward, not just for UNFPA in India, butalso globally.”
Palacios, Country Representative UNFPA, added “UNFPA is strongly committed to investing in the rights and well-being of adolescent girls, particularly the most marginalized. Without bringing these girls on to a level-playing field, India cannot effectively tap its huge demographic dividend.” UNFPA has deep experience in working on issues linked to reproductive health, and addressing harmful practices like gender-biased sex selection and child marriage. This is expected to further strengthen the implementation of Samridhhi in MP.