Kanasu Kishori Sanghatane (KKS) is an empowerment program for adolescent girls in Kukanoor Taluk of Koppal district in North Karnataka. In addition to organizing all the adolescent girls in the taluk into Kishori Sanghas, the program also works with boys, parents, teachers and other stakeholders in the community to create a supportive environment for the girls. 15 panchayath level Kishori Resource Centers provide a safe space where girls can learn computers, access books and further develop their skills.
Presently, 5000 girls between the ages 13-18 are part of 250 sanghas in the 53 villages and 19 wards of Kukanoor taluk. A team of 30 community facilitators animate the sanghas. These facilitators also come from Kukanoor taluk.
The KKS sanghas meet each week in the village. Sangha meetings include songs, games and dance in addition to learning about gender equality, sexual and reproductive health and rights, gender based violence, constitutional rights, etc. There is also a strong emphasis on developing life skills.
The Kishori Resource Centers in each Panchayath hosts computer classes on weekends. As part Kishori Resource Centers adolescent girls receive groups as well as individuals counselling session. The Reading Room at the Center stocks a small collection of books – short stories, poetry, self help books, health etc. – all promoting a gender equality perspective. The space also hosts regular activities for adolescent girls: discussions, debates, film screenings, workshops for public speaking, story-telling, writing, poetry, etc.
The program also engages with multiple stakeholders in diverse ways:
- Grassroots campaigns on gender-based violence, menstrual health, nutrition, etc.
- Engaging with boys, parents, teachers, community leaders, etc.
- Half-yearly Kishori parliaments
- Village level Nyaya Samitis to intervene on behalf of the girls
Legal literacy training for parents and other stakeholders
