Children are at risk
There are more than 300 million children in India. Despite the rapid economic growth of India, the country is struggling with different issues, and children are most vulnerable. Indeed, 30 million children in India live in poverty, and 8 million children live in slums, where living conditions are harmful to their development. One of the consequences of poverty is malnutrition, and 60 million children in India suffer from this. Finally, girls in India are affected by gender-biased practices, like child marriage or in education.
60M
Children suffer from malnutrition
Malnutrition
One fourth of the world’s undernourished people live in India. Due to economic issues, they struggle to provide enough nutritious food for their children.
And thus, in India, 20 million children suffer from wasting (low weight for height) and 40 million children suffer from stunting (low height for age). A balanced nutrition could help prevent malnutrition. The Indian government already offers multiple programmes but these efforts are not yet enough to eradicate malnutrition in the country.
929
Girls born per 1000 boys
Gender inequality
India ranks 140th out of 156 in the World Economic Forum Global Gender Gap Index.
The situation is improving, however, gender inequality can be seen in many areas of social and economic life. For example, women do not have equal access to education, employment and political life. They have poorer health and more likely to face violence than men.
Furthermore, for every 1000 boys born in India, only 929 girls are born.
21%
Of the population lives in poverty
Poverty
Around 21% of the population in India lives on less than $1.9 a day. For children specifically, 30 million live in poverty.
Although India is one of the fastest growing economies in the world, this also entails a rapid growing inequality between different population groups. The top 10% of the Indian population holds 77% of the national wealth.
Poverty levels also vary between different regions and between urban and rural areas. Although the situation has improved in past decades, the government continues to fight against poverty.
Together we can make a difference for children in India
Learn at our kindergartens and schools
4,310
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
Are supported on their way to independence
![]()
Siblings playing together on the playground. SOS Children's Villages supports families in creating an environment where their children can develop and flourish. If, however, in spite of support, children cannot stay with their families, they can come into our care (photo: SOS Children’s Villages India).
Working together for sustainable development
In 2015, leaders from 193 countries committed to the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This 15 year plan aims to improve the lives of people by ending poverty, fighting inequality and protecting the planet.
GOAL 1: End poverty
SOS Children’s Villages supports families and communities to keep families together and to help them break out of the cycle of poverty.
GOAL 4: Ensure quality education for all
Every child and young person SOS Children’s Villages supports has access to education, from kindergarten right up to vocational training or university.
GOAL 8: Equal job opportunities for all
SOS Children’s Villages works to keep children safe, by promoting peaceful and inclusive communities. We provide training on children’s rights and positive parenting.
GOAL 10: Reduce inequality among countries
SOS Children’s Villages supports young people in developing the skills and self-confidence they need to find decent work and train parents so that they can have a stable income.
GOAL 16: Promote peaceful and inclusive societies
We advocate laws and practices that ensure social inclusion and protection for children and young people without parental care or from marginalized households.
Let’s keep on protecting children and young people!
Many children have been able to find a safe and secure home. With your help, we can continue to change their lives