Empowering the Inclusive Girl Leaders of Tomorrow
My vision is to empower every girl, especially those from marginalized backgrounds, to become a confident and capable leader. Through education, the arts, and inclusive support, I aim to provide opportunities for growth and leadership development. I hope to inspire lasting change and create a future where these girls lead with purpose and impact.
I’m Tanaya Rao, founder of Girl Empower (girlmpower.org) and an IB student with a deep commitment to Indian classical dance, particularly Bharatanatyam. As a passionate researcher, I focus on the connection between dance and leadership development—details of which can be found at the link below. I am a firm believer in the transformative power of art to nurture inclusive leaders. My time is dedicated to mentoring, coaching, and dancing with girls in need, including those impacted by AIDS, underprivileged children, inner-city kids, child labor, school dropouts, and those facing discrimination. I’m also actively supporting the Government of Telangana’s initiative to integrate and employ transgender individuals. My mission is to empower girls to become future leaders through education, the arts, and beyond."I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples" - Mother Teresa.
Research
Insights and Conclusions:
“Research findings show that Indian classical dance and the arts can help girls overcome societal pressures, transforming them into confident, passionate, and empathetic leaders”
My 3-year research and publications can be accessed through the following links.
Developed programs designed to teach dance and math as a means of uplifting and empowering children who face societal discrimination and lack access to education and the arts. These programs aim to foster their confidence, creativity, and critical thinking skills, providing them with opportunities to learn, express themselves, and unlock their potential in areas where they have been underserved.
Uplifting Orphaned & HIV-Affected Girls for a Brighter Future
“At Karuna, we really appreciated ‘girlmpower’ team theme and creativity in building girl child leadership with Indian classical dance. We are eager to continue this program for continued better results .”
— M. Kiran, President, Karuna Voluntary Organization‘‘girlmpower’’ team’s freely available bharatanatyam dance classes at our school helped to build self-confidence, teamwork, health, cognitive skills. Our girl students are able to outcome stagefear with this program. Leadership skills unleashed.
M. Neelima, Principal, Vidya Jyothi High School, Chengicherla, Telangana
Tanaya has played a vital role in volunteering for and supporting our state initiative to integrate, educate, and employ transgender individuals.
John Samuel, Senior General Manager, TS Christian Minority Corporation, Hyderabad, Telangana
Contact
Feel free to contact us to join the girl movement!
Email: tanaya.rao@girlmpower.org