Adolescents account for one fifth of the worlds population and have been on an increasing trend. In India, they account for less than one fourth of the population. Adolescents have very special and distinct needs, which can no longer be overlooked. It is also essential to invest in adolescents, as they are the future of the country. The majority of girls in this age range is out of school and has limited choices for the future. Girls are caught in the cycle of early marriage, repeated pregnancy and poverty. Adolescence among girls has been recognized as a special period .s their life cycle that requires specific and special attention. There are direct linkages between poverty and adolescent girls’ health and vast majority of poor girls caught in this vicious circle. They are deprived of their basic rights to health, education, development and independence. Health and nutritional needs of adolescent girls are mostly ignored. There is enough evidence to indicate that fewer resources are invested in their health care vary few receive medical care. Present book highlights the situation of adolescent girls and deals with pertinent issues of education, health and nutrition marriage, life skills, socio legal rights etc. lbs book contain twenty well written papers presented in the national conference which through light on various issues and dimensions of empowerment of adolescent girls. It is expected that the book will be highly me full as understanding the status of adolescents and evolving action plans for their empowerment.
