Many of the older girls also work for Yuwa as coaches, earning their own money, which in turn helps foster their independence. In addition to this Yuwa also offers a full school education in English for around 450 girls. In turn, Yuwa helps the young women overcome poverty and violence in the region, enabling them shape their own future. This is a big step for the women, as the prevailing patriarchal structures would otherwise make it impossible for most of them to lead an independent life. Everyday life in Jharkhand offers virtually no perspectives for women – 45 percent of the female population are illiterate, 50 percent of girls do not go to school, and 60 percent marry as children.
