GLOW Club Is Tranforming Girls’ Lives in Nepal

Global Girls Glow operates mentorship programs for over 16,000 girls across 30 countries. Our signature program, GLOW Club, provides girls with the Social and Emotional skills they need to express themselves, advocate for the issues they care about, and pursue lives of their own design.

Our Asia Program Officer, Pallavi Gahlaut, recently had the chance to visit our GLOW Clubs in Nepal to witness first-hand how our mentorship-driven programs are changing girls’ lives. Here’s what she experienced.

Six Ways GLOW Club is Impacting Girls in Nepal

My name is Pallavi, and in my role as the Asia Program Officer for Global Girls Glow, I support the implementation of Global Girls Glow programming across Asia, including our signature mentorship program, GLOW Club. I strive to ensure that our programs meet the unique needs of local communities so our initiatives can make a meaningful impact.

In my association with Global Girls Glow over the past two years, I have had the privilege of amplifying the voices of girls and supporting them as they grow their agency, voice, and power. This deep-seated passion stems from my own lived experiences as a woman in Asia, where I have witnessed and faced numerous gender inequalities from a young age. These experiences, and my education in Women’s Studies, have fueled my commitment to creating a world where girls can fully realize their potential and pursue lives of their own design.

Pallavi, Global Girls Glow’s Asia Program Officer, recently visited GLOW Clubs in Nepal.

Recently, I had the incredible opportunity to visit GLOW Clubs in Nepal, an experience that was humbling, inspiring, and reaffirming. I witnessed firsthand how GLOW Club is transforming the lives of girls in Nepal, and observed how GLOW Club is helping girls develop a strong sense of self, confidence, and the ability to make decisions about their daily lives as they learn to voice their opinions and build future aspirations.

I also observed girls learning to understand and regulate their emotions while becoming empowered individuals who can bring positive change to their communities.

Here are six takeaways from my visit:

1. GLOW Club is providing girls with the Social and Emotional skills to effectively manage their emotions.

A key aspect of the GLOW Club is its focus on emotional well-being through Social and Emotional Learning. During my visit, I observed sessions where girls were encouraged to express their feelings and develop emotional regulation skills. 16-year-old-Pratiksha, a member of the club, learned to manage her anger through creative outlets provided by the club. Her mother, Santoshi, shared how this has led to a calmer and more motivated daughter who has developed a can-do attitude.

The club’s environment, where girls’ perspectives and opinions are heard and validated, has been instrumental in Pratiksha’s transformation. This focus on emotional intelligence helps girls build resilience and cope with challenges, contributing to a more supportive and harmonious home environment. Pratiksha now aspires to become a mentor herself, inspired by the support she has received.

“The club’s emphasis on emotional regulation is vital for the girls’ overall development, enabling them to navigate life’s challenges with confidence and composure and equipping them with skills that are essential for their personal and professional lives.”

Another notable example of GLOW Club’s impact on emotional regulation comes from 16-year-old GLOW Club member Angelica. Her mother shared that Angelica struggled with anger issues before joining the club. However, GLOW Club has provided Angelica with the tools to manage her emotions better.

Through Social and Emotional Learning activities, Angelica learned to understand and empathize with others, which significantly improved her behavior at home. She has become more understanding and responsible, positively affecting her family dynamics.

Angelica and Pratiksha’s transformations highlight how GLOW Club fosters emotional intelligence in girls. By providing a supportive environment where girls can express their feelings in a safe space and learn coping mechanisms, GLOW Club helps them navigate their emotional landscapes more effectively.

The club’s emphasis on emotional regulation is vital for the girls’ overall development, enabling them to navigate life’s challenges with confidence and composure and equipping them with skills that are essential for their personal and professional lives.

2. Parents of GLOW Club members have changed their views on gender equality.

GLOW Club‘s impact extends beyond the individual girl to their families and communities, driving meaningful and lasting change in societal attitudes towards gender equality. Lal Bahadur, father of 14-year-old GLOW Club member Aarti, exemplifies this change.

Traditionally, in Nepal, parents often arrange marriages for their daughters at a young age. After witnessing Aarti’s growth in responsibility, and emotional maturity through her participation in GLOW Club, Lal Bahadur has now become an advocate for gender equality.

Lal Bahadur shared that Aarti’s GLOW Club mentor, Deepika, has been instrumental in his changing views. Deepika’s story of overcoming emotional trauma to become a strong, influential role model in the community has served as a powerful example to Lal Bahadur. Seeing Deepika’s success and resilience, Lal Bahadur began to understand the immense potential that lies within every girl, including his daughter, when given the right support and opportunities.

Pallavi met with parents of GLOW Club Members to discuss the impact of the program on their children’s development and to explore ways to further support and engage families in the club’s activities.

As a result of Deepika’s mentorship, Aarti developed confidence and a sense of self-worth. Witnessing this transformation in his daughter, Lal Bahadur has become committed to supporting Aarti’s education and future choices, including her marriage partner — a significant departure from traditional practices. He now believes in the power and potential of girls, recognizing that when families trust and support their daughters, they can achieve anything.

This progressive attitude in parents like Lal Bahadur is crucial in breaking down gender barriers. By embracing gender equality and supporting their daughters’ ambitions, GLOW Club parents are creating an environment where girls can thrive and pursue their dreams without constraints. This shift in parental attitudes is pivotal in fostering a community where girls are valued and empowered to become confident leaders and change-makers.

3. Parents also feel more positively about their daughter’s futures and ability to thrive.

Another significant takeaway from my visit was the positive shift in parents’ attitudes towards their daughters. During my visit, interactions with parents of GLOW Club participants provided profound insights into the program’s impact on family dynamics and parental attitudes.

Parents shared how their daughters have become more confident and assertive after attending three years of GLOW Club. This assertive confidence is not just limited to public speaking or academic performance; it extends to everyday interactions and decision-making. Parents noted that their daughters, who were once shy and reserved, now actively participate in discussions and stand up for themselves.

Parents shared how their daughters have become more confident and assertive after attending three years of GLOW Club.

One of the significant life lessons imparted by GLOW Club, as shared by a parent of a club member, is the understanding of “Good Touch and Bad Touch” to prevent sexual abuse, as well as identifying safe and unsafe places in their community and villages. These crucial topics are often overlooked in traditional education settings and are rarely discussed at home. The club’s emphasis on these lessons empowers girls to protect themselves and builds their awareness about personal safety, contributing to a safer community environment.

Parents observed not only the confidence and assertiveness gained by their daughters but also the invaluable lessons on personal safety and emotional regulation. These changes are vital in shaping the girls into well-rounded individuals who are aware of their rights, capable of making informed decisions, and equipped to handle life’s challenges. Witnessing these transformations reaffirmed the importance of our work and the incredible potential of every girl in GLOW Club.

4. GLOW Club is improving girls’ performance in school.

During my visit, I had the opportunity to meet with educators who shared remarkable insights into how GLOW Club has significantly influenced girls’ performance in their schools. They shared that GLOW Club participants are notably more confident and active in both academic and extracurricular activities compared to their peers who are not part of the program. This confidence translates into greater classroom engagement and a willingness to take on responsibilities during school events such as annual days and sports days.

School administrators emphasized that GLOW Club plays a crucial role in identifying and nurturing the hidden qualities and talents of the girls. Through the club’s activities and mentorship, girls are encouraged to explore their potential and develop skills that are often overlooked in traditional education settings. This holistic approach ensures that the girls become the best versions of themselves, prepared to face future challenges with resilience and determination.

Local educators shared that GLOW Club participants are notably more confident and active in both academic and extracurricular activities compared to their peers who are not part of the program.

Educators shared that the program not only empowers individual girls by enhancing their confidence, skills, and academic engagement, but also fosters within them a sense of community and collective responsibility. These girls are not just preparing for their futures; they are actively shaping the future of their communities. Witnessing their growth and the positive changes they are bringing about reaffirmed my belief in the importance of our work and the incredible potential of every girl in the GLOW Club.

Educators also highlighted how GLOW Club helps girls develop essential socialization skills. These girls are growing into engaged, responsible, and socially aware citizens, ready to contribute positively to their communities. The program’s emphasis on experiential learning encourages open interaction and discussion, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.

GLOW Club’s impact on girls’ school performance and overall development is significant. By building confidence and fostering essential life skills, the program is transforming girls’ educational experiences. This transformation underscores the importance of our work and the incredible potential that every girl possesses when given the opportunity to thrive.

5. The impact of GLOW Club extends beyond the individual girl to transform the broader community.

The impact of GLOW Club extends far beyond individual girls and their families, reaching the entire community. One of the most inspiring aspects of my visit was learning how the experiential nature of GLOW Club empowers girls to engage in their communities as agents of change. I learned that girls frequently speak up at local community meetings, sharing their visions for the future and sparking important discussions on issues such as environmental sustainability and girls’ education.

A particularly notable project was a clean water initiative led by club members, which mobilized community resources to address a critical need. The clean water initiative began when girls identified that many families in their village lacked access to safe drinking water, leading to frequent health issues. They conducted research, engaged with local health officials, and organized community meetings to raise awareness about the importance of clean water.

In GLOW Club, girls in vulnerable communities develop their confidence and practice using their voice as they build lasting relationships with peers and learn to advocate for themselves and others.

This project provided clean drinking water in their community, where girls confidently went door to door to educate residents and advocate for the importance of having access to clean water.

This initiative not only provided a practical solution to a pressing community issue, but also showcased the influential role that empowered girls can play in driving community development. The dedication and leadership displayed by the girls in this project were commendable and illustrated the transformative potential of GLOW Club.

These community-wide initiatives illustrate GLOW Club’s ability to empower girls to become change-makers and responsible citizens. By equipping girls with the skills and confidence to lead initiatives, the club not only transforms individual lives but also contributes to the overall development and well-being of the community. GLOW Club’s holistic approach ensures that the benefits of its programs extend beyond individual girls, fostering a culture of empowerment, sustainability, and collective responsibility.

6. Mentorship is at the core of the GLOW Club implementation model.

Meeting the GLOW Club mentors, many of whom were once teen GLOW Club participants themselves, highlighted the program’s long-term impact. Mentors like Bipasha and Deepika shared how their experiences in the club transformed their lives and now enable them to guide and inspire the next generation of girls. Their stories underscore the ripple effect of GLOW Club: GLOW Girls become role models for the next generation of girls, and catalysts for change in their communities.

Mentor Bipasha spoke passionately about how, in her role as a mentor, she provides guidance and motivation for girls, filling gaps where parents may lack awareness or resources. She highlighted how the decision-making and problem-solving skills taught in the club have empowered girls to handle daily challenges more effectively. These skills enable them to make informed choices, fostering a sense of agency and self-confidence. Additionally, the relationships module has been crucial in educating the girls about the dangers of jealousy and the importance of respect and camaraderie within the club and the broader community.

“Decision-making and problem-solving skills taught in the club have empowered girls to handle daily challenges more effectively.”

Deepika, another club-member-turned-mentor, shared a powerful example that underscores the curriculum’s impact. One of her club members bravely advocated for herself and her classmates by confronting a teacher who was not only ineffective in teaching but also often yelled at and mistreated the students. Aarti took the initiative to write a letter to the principal and inform her parents about the situation. Her courage and proactive stance led to the teacher’s resignation, demonstrating how GLOW Club equips girls with the confidence and skills to stand up against injustice and advocate for a better learning environment.

My interactions with GLOW Club participants, parents, teachers, and community members in Nepal have provided me with invaluable insights and reaffirmed the importance of our mission at Global Girls Glow.

Mentor Sirjana creates safe spaces for GLOW Club Members to ask questions.

The significant transformations within individual girls, such as enhanced confidence, improved academic performance, and better emotional regulation, highlight the profound impact of GLOW Club. These changes not only benefit the girls themselves but also positively influence their families, creating a ripple effect of empowerment and growth. The support and enthusiasm from parents illustrate the critical role they play in sustaining these positive changes and furthering gender equality within their communities.

These lessons validate the effectiveness of our approach and provide a clear roadmap for future efforts. Moving forward, we will continue to prioritize experiential learning, community engagement, and parental involvement in our programs. We will also explore ways to expand our reach, ensuring that more girls in remote areas can access these life-changing skills.

“GLOW Club is not just transforming individual lives; it is building a foundation for future generations of empowered women who will lead with courage and compassion.”

Informed by these insights, my approach as a Program Officer will focus on fostering strong relationships, enhancing program delivery, and building the capacity of GLOW Club mentors while keeping our approach as girl-informed as possible. Learning from the people we work alongside allows us to continuously adapt to the unique needs of each community.

Witnessing firsthand the resilience, determination, and potential of the girls in Nepal has been inspiring to me. It is a privilege to be part of their journey, and I am more motivated than ever to support and expand our efforts across Asia. GLOW Club is not just transforming individual lives; it is building a foundation for future generations of empowered women who will lead with courage and compassion.

My experience in Nepal has strengthened my commitment to amplifying girls’ voices and supporting their journey toward becoming confident, empowered leaders. Together, we can create a world where every girl has the opportunity to realize her full potential and contribute to a brighter, more equitable future.

Global Girls Glow mentors girls around the world to become powerful advocates and confident leaders. Since inception, our GLOW Clubs have ignited the power of over 91,000 girls to do 3 transformative things: increase their confidence, strengthen their voice, and build their power. Special thanks to Rukmini Foundation and NICE, who operate GLOW Clubs for girls throughout Nepal and graciously hosted Pallavi for her visit.