Decision Making for Empowerment of Adolescent Girls in India

The study was conducted in Fatehpur Pundri town of Kaithal district of Haryana state in India. Sixty adolescent girls participated in this study. An interview schedule was used to gather background information to assess decision making abilities of adolescent girls. Majority of respondents were not aware about the meaning of empowerment and different government schemes meant for girls. Results revealed that parents of majority of adolescent girls took decision regarding education of girls and selection of school and colleges for higher education. Regarding selection of marriage partner, adolescent girls reported that parents were the sole decision makers; opinions of mothers were also valued. Decision regarding money management was also taken by parents, particularly by male family members. Majority of girls reported that leisure time activities were guided by their parents. Decisions of girls were valued in selection of their clothes, accessories and purchase of decorative articles for home. Majority of girls believed that although there is reservation of seats for women in village panchayats, but, their role in decision making is very poor. Majority of adolescent girls believed that there is discrimination with them in different aspects including social, economic and political.