More than 600 million adolescent girls live in the Global South. Yet, their lives are too often shaped by forces beyond their control.
- 129 million girls are out of school globally – that’s more than 1/3rd of the population of the United States.
- Every 2 seconds, a girl is forced into marriage.
- Girls aged 10–19 are more likely to face domestic violence, mental health issues, and digital exclusion than any other demographic.
Milaan Foundation believes that investing in adolescent girls is pivotal to driving societal development and views them as powerful catalysts for social change.
Investing in girls can:
Empowered and educated girls are less likely to be forced into early marriage, protecting their childhood and future.
A female-dominant workforce can elevate the capacity of India’s GDP.
With greater autonomy, adolescents are more likely to lead healthier and more productive lives as adults, thus breaking the cycle of intergenerational poverty.
When adolescent girls are educated and supported, they can contribute to sustainable practices, advocate for environmental protection, and drive innovation towards a greener future.
In 2015, we launched the Girl Icon Program in India—an 18-month leadership journey for adolescent girls to build agency, take action, and shift gender norms from within.
In collaboration with Surge for Water, and Prince of Peace Orphan and Widows Vision (POPOW), Milaan Foundation piloted The Girl Icon Program in Uganda in 2024. With 1,200 girls in 30 schools led by 75 Girls Icons in Kaberamaido and Kalaki districts of Uganda, we witnessed the resilience and brilliance in girls taking their first steps into leadership.
Inequality in Education
& Well-Being
Child Marriage
Against Women & Girls
How we work
“I used to fear talking to the Senior Female Teacher during menstruation [before the 3 Big Sisters trained me]. But now, after the training, I can speak freely not only to the Senior Female Teacher but also make a speech in public.”
Girl Icon, Adiao Ruth
Our Commitment to SDGs
Build a Movement
of Girl Leaders
An investment of USD 45 supports
an adolescent girl for 18 months through the
Girl Icon Program.