Fueling Self-Esteem, Inspiring Change: Dove and UNICEF meet Student Champions In UP’s Rural School
Lucknow, 30 October 2025 – Representatives from Dove and UNICEF India visited Composite School in Tikariya, Barabanki district in, Uttar Pradesh. The girls and boys are part of a school-led life skills programme supported by Dove and UNICEF to help adolescent girls build self-confidence, challenge stereotypes, and develop essential life skills. During the visit, Dove representative met with teachers who shared the positive impact that the programme has had on student attendance and participation.
Also, they had the opportunity to speak to some of the pupils about the self-esteem comic books and how the programme has boosted their confidence. One student, who Dove met was Pankhudi, grade 7, a determined girl who once struggled with self-doubt after being mocked for her appearance. Pankhudi regained her confidence through life skills and self-esteem education that she received in school, helping her recognize her worth beyond external judgments and unrealistic beauty standards promoted in advertisements.
Later, parents also shared how this programme has sparked open conversations at home and in the community around confidence and adolescent wellbeing.
The school is part of a larger number of schools across eight States where there has been long-standing partnership between Dove and UNICEF India, since 2019. Together, Dove and UNICEF aim to help adolescents—particularly girls—develop self-esteem and body confidence through education.
“Being part of the visit and meeting students like Pankhudi reaffirmed the impact of our work,” said Triparna Chakravorty, Global Brand Director, Dove. “Pankhudi’s resilience and confidence is incredibly inspiring. Stories like hers reflect how the self-esteem programme is helping girls find their voice and pursue their dreams with confidence.”
To date, the partnership has reached more than 18 million students across India through the training of teachers, with a strong emphasis on supporting girls. The Dove–UNICEF Self-Esteem programme takes a multi-pronged approach to build confidence and life skills in adolescents. The Dove self- esteem content is adapted for 11–18-year-olds in schools. E-content is shared with older adolescents through the Passport to Earning platform, a free, digital learning hub and direct engagement through working with children in communities through adolescent platforms by the government.
“Building self-esteem lays the foundation for adolescents staying and thriving in school, build healthy relationships, and helping to determine future careers,” said
Saadhna Panday, Chief of Education, UNICEF India. “This partnership enables millions of students—especially girls—to build confidence, make informed decisions, and speak up for themselves.” Dove and UNICEF will continue working with state governments to expand the reach of self-esteem education through in-person training, e-learning platforms like DIKSHA, and UNICEF’s Passport to Earning digital platform.
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