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The Kanyashree journey however, has just begun. Across the
world it is acknowledged that adolescents are a significant
demographic whose time has come. Kanyashree girls are at
the age when they are establishing their individuality and
their own voice. Given adequate support, they have the
ability to articulate their needs, demand their rights and
make their own choices. More important – they have
tremendous potential as drivers for change.

Having said that, to put the entire responsibility of
transformation on the shoulders of girls would be trap them
in another cage. Several systems – educational, health,
social and commercial – need to work towards creating an
environment in which girls aspire to become leaders,
professionals or technocrats. Or even entrepreneurs –
whether in rural livelihood or in high–tech start–ups will
depend on their location, their abilities and their own bent of
mind. We must not lose sight of the fact that Kanyashree
girls’ bank accounts are just a tool; true financial inclusion
will be when these bank accounts see regular incomings
and outgoings, lendings and borrowings that signify healthy,
productive financial lives.

Whether West Bengal will reap the benefits of its investment
in its adolescent girls will depend on whether we, as policy
makers, can see beyond the economic dividend of
preventing child marriage to building a cohort of confident,
responsible and active citizens, both men and women,
whose values and actions contribute towards a more
equitable, violence–free society.