Milaan Foundation is committed to creating a world where every young person has the opportunity, agency, and well-being to thrive. From underserved communities in India to rural villages in Uganda and urban neighbourhoods in the U.S., Milaan supports young people as they reimagine and reshape their futures and drive social change grounded in empathy and courage.

Our Approach: Empowering changemakers

Milaan Foundation has a strong track record of empowering young people through youth-led leadership programs. For over a decade, we have worked internationally, empowering over 100,000 young people across India and Uganda.

Our initiatives identify and support young people to become leaders and change agents in their communities. This 18-month program cultivates a youth-led movement of bold, purpose-driven leaders committed to social justice and equity. Grounded in social-emotional development, the program fosters empathy and challenges cultural narratives through experiential learning, leadership training, and community action.

The Power of Youth Agency: A story from India

Shweta (name changed), a 14-year-old from Uttar Pradesh, India, embodies the transformative power of our approach to building youth agency. In a community where child marriage is prevalent, Shweta fearlessly intervened to stop two such marriages. Despite facing threats and opposition, her unwavering determination, fueled by her knowledge from Milaan’s grassroots program and the support of her team, led to the cancellation of both marriages, empowering the young girls to pursue their dreams and take control of their own lives.

Shweta's inspiring story serves as a powerful testament to the impact one courageous individual can have in creating a brighter future for others.

Addressing Critical Challenges in Uganda

Adolescent girls in Uganda face significant obstacles: approximately 25% experience pregnancy by age 19, nearly half are married before 18, and only around 20% are enrolled in secondary school. Furthermore, adolescent girls account for 66% of all new HIV infections. Addressing these challenges is crucial for a more equitable future.

In Uganda, Milaan is piloting this initiative in partnership with Surge for Water and Prince of Peace Widows and Orphans (POPOW) in the Kaberamaido and Kalaki districts, equipping youth with life skills, mentorship, and community engagement opportunities. A small-scale pilot in Uganda in 2024 saw 30 participants demonstrate significant growth in confidence, conflict resolution, and mentoring skills.

Your Impact: Empowering the Next Generation

Your generous support will directly empower young people, including girls in India and Uganda, to:

Become confident leaders who can advocate for their rights and the rights of others.
Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills to address the challenges they face.
Lead impactful community projects that create positive change in their communities.

By 2025, we are on a mission to empower and drive a movement of 100,000 adolescent girls through our unique initiatives to create a pathway for them to be healthy, educated, and safe.

It costs only $50 a month to support one girl to participate in Milaan’s flagship Girl Icon Program and $150 to support one girl’s school education.

So, will YOU join us on this journey of igniting the future and potential of girls in India?

Act now: Support Milaan Foundation's Girl Icon Program

By Milaan Foundation

Act now: Support Milaan Foundation's Girl Icon Program

Every donation counts. Build a movement of girl leaders!

Team Members