Empower disadvantaged girls in Indian slums

Misbah grew up in an underserved community in Mumbai, where many girls face limited access to education and deep-rooted taboos around menstrual health. Like countless adolescents in similar settings, she was surrounded by barriers that often prevent girls from speaking openly, staying in school or stepping into leadership roles. Her journey with OSCAR Foundation began through the Life Skills through Football programme, where she found not only a space to play, but a platform to grow.

Over the past three years, Misbah has become a dedicated Young Leader under OSCAR’s Kick Like a Girl initiative, facilitating football sessions, engaging communities and supporting adolescent girls to build confidence and life skills.

As part of OSCAR’s Learning Community Programme, Misbah played a key role in addressing Menstrual Health and Hygiene (MHH). With guidance and local permissions, she and her peers successfully supported the installation of two sanitary pad incinerators in public toilets, promoting safe disposal and encouraging open conversations around menstrual health.

Over an 18-month project, Misbah mentored 15 adolescent girls, creating safe spaces for dialogue, distributing cotton pads and leading awareness sessions that helped girls speak openly about menstruation. She also extended these efforts to her college and neighbourhood, engaging parents, teachers and students to challenge long-standing stigma.

Recognised with an award for her leadership, Misbah stands as a role model for girls in her community, proving that with the right support, girls don’t just participate, they lead change.