Amplifying Adolescent Voices: Building Life Skills and Rights Awareness

EmpowHER India is sparking conversations that matter, tackling issues affecting adolescents today. In a recent EmpowHERing Conversations session, co-powered by The Filmsters, Anamara Baig, CEO of empowHER India, and Kreeanne Rabadi, Director - West of CRY - Child Rights and You, shared how life skills education and rights awareness can help combat challenges like child marriage, child labour, and gender-based violence.

Turning Awareness into Action
As Anamara Baig put it, just knowing your rights isn't enough. Adolescents need the tools to act on that knowledge-whether it's about their education, personal boundaries, or life choices. These rights include the ability to delay marriage, prioritize schooling, and make confident decisions in relationships. "You can't stop at telling adolescents their rights," she said. "They live in systems where change isn't easy. We need to help them build skills that give them the confidence to take action and make choices that matter to them."

Life skills like decision-making, problem-solving, and self-awareness help young people question unfair norms and dream of better futures.

Rights Education as a Shield
Kreeanne Rabadi highlighted how knowing their rights help protect adolescents from harmful practices like child marriage or labour. "These practices are often tied to cultural beliefs, which can make it hard for young people to push back," she explained. "But with the right knowledge and support, they can recognize exploitation and take steps to avoid it."

Raising awareness isn't just for adolescents-it's for everyone around them. When families and communities understand why these harmful practices need to change, they can create a safer, more supportive environment.

Listening to Adolescents
Both speakers stressed the importance of giving adolescents a platform to share their thoughts and ideas. When young people feel heard, they're more likely to take the lead in creating change.
"Adolescents know what they want for their futures," Kreeanne said. "We just need to create spaces where they can speak up and be taken seriously."

Programs that empower adolescents to lead, like stopping child marriages or promoting education, don't just help individuals-they inspire entire communities.

The Power of Role Models
Anamara and Kreeanne talked about how young people themselves can become role models in their communities.
"When one adolescent chooses education over early marriage or finds a job, they show others what's possible," Anamara shared. "They become an example for others to follow."

Using Technology to Reach More Youth
With so many young people online, technology offers an exciting way to spread knowledge. Ssohini Mitra, Chief Enabler at The Filmsters, pointed out that short, relatable videos can make a big difference, especially in areas where in-person outreach is tough.

A Call to Work Together
The panel wrapped up with a clear message: life skills and rights education should be part of every adolescent's learning journey.
"This isn't something you teach once and move on," Anamara said. "It's a lifelong process, and we need to work together to make it available to all adolescents."

When we support young people with the right knowledge, skills, and platforms to speak up, they can create real change-not just for themselves but for their entire communities. As the session ended, the takeaway was simple: believe in the potential of adolescents and give them the tools to succeed.

Missed the Live? Watch it here: https://youtu.be/mEgmMhTOtr4