07/05/2026
Sports, among adolescents and young women, when used creatively as a pedagogical tool to introduce sensitive topics such as menstrual health, bodily changes, patriarchy, awareness about systems of gender and sexuality create impactful strategies. Many grassroot organisations in Jharkhand (Ashray, Jharkhand Gramin Vikas Trust (JGVT), Prerana Bharati, JABALA
Action Research, Jharkhand Vikas Parishad (JVP), RASTA, Srijan Mahila Vikas Manch (SMVM),
Sahyogini, Ayo Aidari Trust, Adithi) have been using such strategies for preventing Child, Early and Forced Marriage (CEFM). Our report 'Play to Power' investigates the impact of sports based programs in reducing CEFM, while also providing robust analysis, paving the way towards what truly works in enabling young girls to realise their leadership potential.