Empower Young Women to become 'Leaders of Change' in Bihar's Extremism Affected Regions-2025

— Taniya Kumari, Edu-Leader Alumna, Munger; Young India Fellow, Ashoka University 

Taniya grew up in a village in Munger, Bihar — a place where most girls are expected to marry early, stay quiet, and step back. But through i-Saksham’s 2-year Edu-Leader Fellowship, she found the confidence to step forward.

She began by teaching foundational skills to children in her community, guiding adolescent girls, and organizing village campaigns on school dropout and early marriage. Eventually, she started raising concerns in Panchayat meetings — a space previously dominated by men. Taniya then pursued a Bachelor of Education and is now a Young India Fellow with Ashoka University at full scholarship. 

At i-Saksham, we believe that when rural young women rise, communities change. Through our Edu-Leader Fellowship, women like Taniya:

• Build the skills and self-belief to become leaders
• Help hundreds of children and adolescents gain life-skills and set SMART Goals
• Shift deep-rooted social norms around girls’ roles and futures
• Serve as relatable role models and trusted change agents in villages

We currently work in 5 districts of Bihar, with 12000+ Edu-Leaders reaching over 25,000 adolescents and families.

In places where early marriage and educational dropout are common, i-Saksham provides a powerful alternative — one where a young woman leads not just her own life, but her community forward.

Your support will help us sustain this movement, ensuring that more young women like Taniya can lead, and transform lives — starting from within.

🌱 Support a future where every girl has the chance to lead — for herself, and for others.