CNN Central News & Network–ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: Metropolis Foundation, the CSR arm of Ameera Shah-led Metropolis Healthcare Limited, India’s second-largest diagnostic laboratory chain, successfully hosted the Adolescent Reproductive and Sexual Health (ARSH) Conclave in Mumbai. As part of its flagship CSR initiative ‘Too Shy to Ask’ (TSTA), the conclave reaffirmed the Foundation’s commitment to adolescent health awareness and empowerment.
The Too Shy to Ask initiative is a comprehensive adolescent outreach program designed to educate, empower, and encourage young girls through a dual approach—physical and digital outreach. The physical outreach, implemented under the ARSH initiative, addresses critical gaps in reproductive and sexual health education by directly engaging with adolescents through on-ground interventions. This is further complemented by the award-winning ‘Too Shy to Ask’ App, which provides confidential, science-backed health information, supported by medical experts.
Since its inception in FY 2021-22, the ARSH initiative has made a significant impact in collaboration with community-based organizations across rural and urban areas of Maharashtra and Chennai. Over the past three years, it has reached 17 blocks, 606 villages, and 238 panchayats, directly empowering more than 2.2 lakh adolescents, while indirectly benefiting 1.1 million individuals, including their families and communities. The program is built on three core pillars: capacity-building in reproductive & sexual health and life skills, the formation of Kishori Manch advocacy groups consisting of 10 to 15 girls at the community or school level, and the engagement of key influencers, including Panchayat members, ASHAs, teachers, and village development committees, to create a supportive environment for adolescent well-being.
A pivotal element of the initiative is the Kishori Manch, adolescent-led advocacy groups trained in reproductive health and life skills. These groups serve as agents of change, leading community-driven initiatives to address pressing social issues such as child marriage, menstrual hygiene, and access to ARSH education. By taking ownership of these challenges, Kishori Manch members develop and implement actionable solutions, ensuring a sustainable micro-level impact that contributes to broader societal change. The involvement of key influencers has been instrumental in ensuring the long-term success and sustainability of these efforts. By actively supporting adolescents as they implement their action plans, these stakeholders help create an enabling ecosystem that fosters lasting behavioral and social transformation.
Commenting on the program’s impact, Dr Duru Shah, Chairperson, Metropolis Foundation, said, “Adolescents must be at the centre of conversations shaping policy and social attitudes. Through this initiative, we have directly observed the remarkable potential of young girls when they are equipped with the right knowledge and support. They are not just beneficiaries of awareness programs; they are emerging as leaders, challenging deep-rooted societal norms, and driving meaningful change in their communities. By fostering their confidence and empowerment, we are not only securing their future but also laying the foundation for a healthier and more progressive society.”
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