Status of Girl Safety in Bihar, Why We Must #AllyUpForHer

10/02/25

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Bihar’s journey toward ensuring the safety and empowerment of its girls has been defined by consistent efforts, careful policymaking, and a growing network of community initiatives. Over the years, the state has created an environment where girls can access education, move freely, and assert their rights without fear. The question “Is Bihar safe for female residents?” has long been a concern, but recent developments signal a positive shift. From addressing child marriage and dowry to enhancing mobility and participation in governance, Bihar has taken meaningful steps that are reshaping the social landscape for young girls and women.

Tackling child marriage

One of the most visible transformations has been the decline in child marriage and the steady shift in societal attitudes toward girls’ education. Campaigns against child marriage and dowry, launched by the Government of Bihar and implemented in partnership with NGOs, has been a defining effort in reshaping local mindsets and customs.

These campaigns have successfully reached deep into communities, challenging long-held traditions and creating new opportunities for education. The larger conversation around girl safety in India used to paint a grim picture, but in Bihar, sustained awareness initiatives and legal enforcement have resulted in tangible progress. Through sustained awareness initiatives, these campaigns have successfully reached deep into communities, challenging long-held traditions. As a result, child marriage rates have declined, and there is a tangible increase in the number of girls pursuing higher education. The growing acceptance of girls’ education as a priority is not an overnight achievement but the result of consistent engagement, legal enforcement, and visible role models emerging from within these communities. Today, the conversation has shifted from whether a girl should be educated to how she can continue her studies without interruption, a change that signals deeper societal transformation.

Greater representation in rural governance

Another remarkable step forward has been the increased participation of women in governance at the grassroots level. With constitutional amendments mandating reservations for women in local government, Bihar has seen an unprecedented rise in female leadership at the village and panchayat levels. The presence of women in decision-making roles has not only improved the implementation of welfare programs but has also fostered a sense of ownership among women over community development.

As these leaders work to strengthen education, healthcare, and mobility for girls, they challenge the perception of Bihar as the most unsafe state in India for females and replace it with a reality where women are actively shaping policy decisions.

This shift has had far-reaching effects, as women leaders actively advocate for better education, safety, and healthcare services for girls in their regions. The initiative to build dedicated local government offices with facilities catering to the needs of women representatives has further strengthened their ability to work effectively. Where governance was once a male-dominated space, today, it is increasingly shaped by the voices of women who understand the challenges faced by girls and are working to address them at the policy level.

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More safety for women

Enhancing the safety and mobility of girls has also been a key area of focus, leading to interventions that provide practical solutions to everyday challenges. The launch of the ‘Nidar Nari’ initiative has redefined how women travel, offering them a sense of security in public spaces. By integrating police monitoring with real-time tracking, the initiative ensures that women travelling alone are not left vulnerable. These efforts have contributed to a broader shift in perception, where the debate around “Is Bihar safe for female residents” is now met with structured responses and improved systems.

This structured approach to safety has created an environment where women no longer have to rely on informal networks for protection, and instead, they have a system that actively looks out for their well-being. Similarly, programmes that provide bicycles to schoolgirls have had a transformative effect on education, increasing attendance and instilling a greater sense of independence. These efforts go beyond safety; they change how girls perceive their place in society, reinforcing that they have the right to move, learn, and pursue opportunities without restriction.

The involvement of community influencers, faith leaders, and local representatives in these conversations has strengthened the reach of awareness campaigns, making them more relatable and effective. Over time, this is contributing to an environment where decisions about a girl’s life are no longer dictated by societal pressure alone but are increasingly influenced by the choices that she wants to make for herself. The broader discourse on girl safety in India remains an evolving topic, but Bihar’s example shows that progress is possible with a combination of legal measures, community action, and sustained public commitment.

The combination of legal measures, awareness programs, infrastructure development, and leadership initiatives has created a foundation for lasting change. While work remains, what has been achieved so far demonstrates that meaningful progress is possible with sustained effort, strategic policies, and a collective commitment to change.

Bihar’s progress in ensuring the safety and empowerment of girls has been shaped by steady efforts across policy, community action, and education. Alongside government initiatives, organisations like Bal Raksha Bharat have played an essential role in improving the lives of children and youth. Their mobile library in Sitamarhi has given children access to books and learning in places where such opportunities were once scarce. The Youth Innovation and Action Lab has helped young people build livelihoods in ways that are practical and sustainable, offering a path toward economic independence. Health and nutrition programs continue to support vulnerable families, ensuring that basic needs are met with care and consistency. These collective efforts serve as a counterpoint to the notion of Bihar as the most unsafe state in India for females, demonstrating that when policies, advocacy, and local action align, meaningful change follows.

Authors:

Chittapriyo Sadhu, Deputy Director – Programme Management (East), Bal Raksha Bharat

Rafay Ejaz Hussain, State Head, Bihar State Programme Office, Bal Raksha Bharat

Soumi Guha Halder, Campaigns & Communication Manager (East), Bal Raksha Bharat

Geeta Lama

Lead Strategic Communication & Government Relations

“I Lead Strategic Communication & Government Relations at Bal Raksha Bharat. Based in New Delhi, I oversee Media Relations, Communication and foster relationships with government entities to promote the welfare of children. I have a strong background in public affairs and have successfully collaborated with multiple stakeholders, including NGOs and corporate partners."