Breaking Stereotypes, Building Dreams

In a small village of Nauka Tola, which is situated near the Indo-Nepal border, a young girl named Yaasmin Khatun, aged 16, lived with her parents and three younger sisters. As the eldest daughter, Yaasmin shouldered the responsibility of setting an example for her siblings and upholding family values. However, her path to success was not without obstacles.

Yaasmin’s parents, Sahab Ansari and Munni Khatoon, were hardworking individuals. Her father, Sahab, earned a livelihood as a tailor, while her mother, Munni, managed the household with love and care. The family lived harmoniously, cherishing the bond they shared.

Yet, despite the love within the family, challenges arose during Yaasmin’s adolescence. She experienced a natural weight gain, causing concern among her parents and neighbors. In the conservative society she lived in, people judged her based on her appearance.

Yaasmin was a determined young girl with dreams and aspirations. She held a burning desire to continue her education beyond class 10. However, the pressure to get married early intensified as her relatives and neighbours claimed that finding a suitable groom for her later would be difficult due to her weight gain and older appearance. With three younger sisters waiting to be married, the urgency to find a match for Yaasmin was palpable.

Amidst the weight of societal expectations and body shaming, Yaasmin’s spirit remained unyielding. She was an active participant in the Adolescent Girl’s Group formed under the Right to be a Girl project, where she attended various sessions and meetings. It was during these gatherings that she encountered a transformative experience. Through SRHR (Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights) training and Life Skill Education, Yaasmin gained a newfound understanding of the consequences of early marriage and the importance of education. These insights fuelled her determination to pursue her dreams and stand up against the injustice she was facing.

With new confidence, Yaasmin approached her parents to share her aspirations and concerns. She gently but firmly explained the risks associated with early marriage, including health issues and the legal consequences. She emphasized her desire to complete her education and the positive impact it would have on her future.

Yaasmin’s parents were initially hesitant, swayed by societal pressures and their limited education. However, her well-reasoned arguments, backed by the knowledge of the Child Marriage Prohibition Act of 2006, began to break down their resistance. They gradually realized the importance of empowering their daughter through education and decided to support her dreams.

Yaasmin’s eloquent yet passionate advocacy eventually prevailed, and her parents pledged to prioritize her education over early marriage. This decision not only marked a significant turning point for Yaasmin but also challenged the deeply rooted norms in their village.

With her parents’ support, Yaasmin continued her education with renewed zeal. She excelled academically and became an inspiration to other girls in her community.

As word spread about Yaasmin’s achievements and the positive impact of education, the community’s perspective began to shift. People began to question age-old beliefs and traditions, realizing the potential of their daughters beyond marriage. The awareness raised by Yaasmin’s struggle brought positive changes in the lives of many young girls in Nauka Tola.

Today, Yaasmin is ideal of hope and empowerment for the entire village. Her journey from being pressured into early marriage to becoming an advocate for girls’ education and rights is a testament to the power of determination and knowledge. With her dreams set high, Yaasmin looks forward to a future where she can empower other girls like herself and break the shackles of societal expectations. Her success story serves as an inspiration to young girls everywhere, showing them that they can dream big, overcome obstacles, and carve their own path to success.