It was in 2012 when the idea of Girls Count was first conceived during a dialogue with CSOs. The dialogue, supported by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), included five regional consultations with over 200 representatives to identify active networks and campaigns to integrate their strategies into a unified initiative.

After critically reviewing the outcomes of these consultations, gender experts from across the country proposed a collective roadmap for DCSR, which soon led to the launch of Girls Count in the national capital in 2013.

The coalition, initially focused on DCSR and implementation of the PC-PNDT Act, now addresses a wider range of gender issues, such as post-birth discrimination, promoting non-traditional skills and livelihoods for women and girls, property rights, etc. Girls Count also rigorously works to collaborate with diverse stakeholders such as government departments, civil society groups, media, medical and legal fraternities, and educational institutions