Empowerment of adolescent girls and gender based violence prevention through sports: a group work intervention in India

Violence against women is a severe public health issue and an unacceptable violation of human rights. The Kabaddi group work project in West Bengal, India, integrates sports and socio-emotional learning as a strategy for preventing violence against women through the empowerment of adolescent girls. Delivered by Praajak, a non-governmental organization, the Kabaddi project involves participants in athletic training and weekly study circles that raise awareness; build knowledge, skills, and confidence; and generate mutual trust and motivation to promote individual and social change. Guided by social learning theory and feminist theory, the carefully designed group work intervention follows a developmental approach that is consistent with Linda Schiller’s relational model of group development. Testimonies from group participants demonstrate the intergenerational impact of the Kabaddi project on participants, families, and communities.