Transformation through Teen Camp: Marginalized Girls in India Recasting Themselves as Agents of Change

Abstract

Programs in the global south with international backing that help economically marginalized girls gain a sense of agency have been rightly criticized for ignoring structural barriers to girls’ progress. Nevertheless, connecting adolescent girls with knowledge about rights and assertiveness training increases their belief they can and should stand up for themselves. A pilot qualitative study of an empowerment camp begun by a local group in Telangana India, which has reached 65,000+ girls across seven states, was conducted to clarify what information campers thought they gained and what actions they had taken. Interview results show campers believed camp was effective and helped them argue to oppose child marriage, stay in school, and question dowry. Campers reported they thought the scope of change might be limited until elders validated the camp’s messages. Unexpectedly camp also transformed the attitudes and beliefs of the highly educated counselors. I conclude by suggesting attitudinal change is worthy of pursuing for its own sake.