Factors affecting adolescent and youth girls’ empowerment: a survey of selected areas of Rupandehi District

Abstract

Adolescent and youth girls’ empowerment is as crucial as that of women. However, research on women’s empowerment has received more attention than studies focused on adolescent and young girls. To address this gap, a scale was constructed and administered to 325 girls from Rupandehi, Nepal, to explore the factors influencing adolescent and youth girls’ empowerment. The exploratory factor analysis revealed three factors: (a) equality, respect, and fairness, (b) resourcefulness and (c) opportunity to make choices. Further analysis revealed that girls in this region depend on external resources rather than family resources for empowerment. These include government assistance, access to financial services from banks or cooperatives, and their knowledge of education, particularly regarding gender equality and rights. This research provides valuable insights for adolescents and youth girls, as well as their families. The findings also inform the efforts of governmental/non-governmental organizations working to support the empowerment of adolescents and youth girls.