As we celebrate International Women's Day, it's inspiring to witness the remarkable strides women are making across the globe. From education to entrepreneurship, women are breaking barriers and shaping the future. In India, we've seen significant improvements in female enrollment in education, and more young women than ever are pursuing their dreams. Yet, amidst these achievements, a critical aspect of women's well-being remains under-discussed: mental health. It's imperative that we acknowledge the escalating mental health challenges faced by young girls in India. While the pressures of academics, societal expectations, and family responsibilities affect all students, the data on female student suicides presents a particularly concerning picture. The IC3 Institute's “Student Suicides: An Epidemic Sweeping India Vol. 2” underscores a troubling trend. Over the past decade, female student suicides have tragically surpassed male student suicides by 11%. These statistics are not mere numbers; they are a stark reflection of broader societal issues that demand our immediate attention.

A Closer Look at Gender-Specific Trends

The gap in the numbers is narrowing, which signals that female students are facing distinct pressures that require targeted interventions. There is a disproportionate burden placed on women in our society, particularly in terms of domestic responsibilities. According to the National Statistics Office’s (NSO’s) Time Use Survey (TUS), females in the 15-59 age group spend far more time than males on unpaid domestic work and caregiving activities. This imbalance not only affects their career prospects but also contributes to heightened stress levels. With only 25% of females in this age group participating in paid employment compared to 75% of males, this disparity highlights the lack of empowerment and agency.

Empowering Young Girls: A Path to Resilience

The societal pressures faced by young girls in India demand immediate and effective interventions to foster emotional resilience and successful career navigation. To truly empower these young women, we must move beyond awareness and implement tangible solutions. Here’s what we can do to make a change:

● Mindfulness & Peer Support: Integrating mindfulness into the school curriculum offers a transformative approach to help young girls manage stress, regulate emotions, and foster self-awareness. Practices such as guided meditation, controlled breathing exercises, and reflective journaling can substantially reduce anxiety, enhance focus, and build emotional fortitude. Additionally, peer support systems like group counseling or peer mentoring help students provide each other with emotional outlets and guidance.

● Systemic Counseling: Early career counseling is essential for young girls to understand their strengths and aspirations. By providing career guidance alongside emotional counseling, schools can offer a comprehensive support system that empowers girls to make informed, confident decisions about their future. Integrating mental health support into academic counseling helps students deal with stress, anxiety, and personal challenges in a safe space, promoting holistic development. Schools should ensure that these services are easily accessible and proactively encourage their use.

● Training School Teachers and Principals: With proper training, educators can recognize early signs of emotional distress, offer initial support, and refer students to professional counselors when needed. Furthermore, principals should foster an environment where emotional intelligence is prioritized alongside academic achievement, ensuring that students' well-being is part of the school’s culture. When teachers are trained to address emotional health, they help create a nurturing environment conducive to the personal growth of young girls.

● Creating Safe Spaces: Schools must foster open environments where female students feel comfortable discussing mental health concerns without fear of judgment. Providing safe spaces ensures that girls can express their struggles without the pressure of societal expectations, encouraging open dialogue around mental health. Initiatives such as student-led support groups or women’s circles allow girls to connect with each other in a non-judgmental setting, further empowering them to share and seek help.

● The School Play Initiative: Creative expression through the arts, such as plays focusing on mental health, offers young girls an outlet for self-expression. By encouraging students to create and perform plays that explore mental health themes, schools can help break the stigma surrounding these issues and promote deeper, more open conversations. This initiative not only enhances emotional resilience but also fosters empathy and understanding among peers.

● The Role of Parents: Parents are crucial in supporting their daughters' emotional well-being and empowering them to pursue their dreams. However, many female students are often burdened or restricted by familial expectations, as parents may not fully understand or support their daughters’ aspirations. Schools should work closely with parents to help them recognize the potential of their daughters. This can be achieved through counseling and awareness programs that educate parents about the challenges young girls face, the significance of mental health and career counseling.

This International Women's Day, let us commit to empowering young girls, ensuring a brighter, more equitable future for all. It is through collective action and sustained support that we can truly make a difference. By fostering an environment where emotional well-being is prioritized and where girls are encouraged to dream big and pursue their passions, we can begin to reshape the narrative. The time to act is now, and it starts with supporting young girls today, for a brighter and more empowered future.

This article is attributed to Mr. Ganesh Kohli, Founder, IC3 Movement