The Voice of Change

Part 1: A Dream Challenged

Sahdeva village is situated near the Indo-Nepal border in Raxaul Block of  West Champaran District of Bihar (India). In this village lived a determined young girl named Samani Khatoon. At the tender age of 15, Samani was passionate about her studies and had dreams of achieving great things in life. Her father, Rozaden, worked as a daily wage laborer in a factory across the border in Nepal, while her mother, Husarmani Khatoon, diligently managed the household. Samani’s family, like many others in the village, adhered to traditional beliefs and practices.

Initially, Samani attended school alongside her sisters and brothers, nurturing her ambitions with the hope of a brighter future. However, as she entered adolescence, her parents decided to halt her education and engaged her in household chores. They believed that it was time for her to marry, just as many others in the community did.

Part 2: Enlightening Paths

Amidst this pivotal time in her life, destiny brought Samani to an Adolescent Group formed under the Right to be a Girl project. These sessions and meetings, led by expert facilitators and field motivators, became a turning point for her. In these meetings and session, she learned about the dangers of early marriage and the significant toll it could take on her life in various aspects.

The knowledge she gained during these meetings ignited a fire within her. Samani realized that she didn’t want her dreams and aspirations to be crushed under the weight of early marriage. She mustered the courage to discuss her apprehensions with her mother, expressing her heartfelt desire to complete her education before tying the knot. Sadly, her parents were not receptive to her request, and the future seemed bleak.

Part 3: The Triumph of Conviction

Undeterred by the initial rejection, Samani sought solace and support from the girls in her Adolescent Group. Together, they devised a plan to address the issue at its core. Armed with conviction and determination, the girls decided to visit Samani’s house and try to convince her parents of the dire consequences of early marriage.

Their first attempt to persuade Samani’s parents bore little fruit. However, they refused to give up. With the assistance of the local elected representative, the girls made a second visit. This time, they brought with them crucial information about The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, and the severe penalties associated with it. They also highlighted the adverse health effects early marriage could have on a young girl’s life.

Additionally, the girls informed Samani’s parents about various social schemes provided by the Government of Bihar to support girls in pursuing higher education. Slowly but surely, the wall of resistance began to crumble. As they comprehended the potential repercussions and the opportunities that awaited Samani if she were allowed to continue her education, the parents began to change their minds.

In the end, the persuasive efforts of the Adolescent Group, combined with the supportive approach of the local elected representative, prevailed. Samani’s parents finally consented to delay her marriage and vowed to support her in her pursuit of further schooling.

Epilogue: A New Beginning

Samani Khatoon’s story became an inspiration in Sahdeva village. Her courage to stand up against the norms of early marriage opened the doors to education and empowerment for not only herself but also for countless other young girls in the community. Through the collective efforts of the Adolescent Group and the support of the local authorities, Samani’s dreams were salvaged from the brink of being shattered.

As Samani continued her education, she became a role model for young girls everywhere, encouraging them to challenge societal norms and fight for their rights. Her village witnessed a transformation as more families embraced the idea of delaying their daughters’ marriages and providing them with opportunities to shape their destinies.

Samani Khatoon’s journey stands as a testament to the power of education, perseverance, and collective action in breaking the shackles of early marriage and empowering girls to dream big and soar high. Her success story echoes across the region, proving that when voices unite for a just cause, they can create lasting change and pave the way for a brighter future for generations to come.