Case Story: Anju’s Stand Against Early Marriage
Introduction
Anju, a 16-year-old girl from Nagwa village in Uska Bazaar block, Siddharthnagar district, Uttar Pradesh, exemplifies how education and awareness can empower young women to shape their own destinies. A participant in the Shirir Apna Adhikar Apna program, supported by The Y.P. Foundation, Anju successfully resisted child marriage and advocated for her right to education.
Background
- Name: Anju*
- Father’s Name: Ram Sumer*
- Village: Nagwa
- Block: Uska Bazaar
- District: Siddharthnagar
- Family Background:
- Total Members: 9
- Belongs to the Scheduled Caste (Chamar).
- The family owns only 0.15 acres of land, insufficient for their needs.
- Her father works out of state to support the family.
*Changed Name
Anju had completed Class 10 and expressed a desire to continue her education. However, her family dismissed her aspirations, believing that further education was unnecessary for a girl.
Challenges Faced
- Pressure for Early Marriage:
- In March 2020, her parents arranged her marriage, disregarding her dreams of studying further.
- Lack of Family Support:
- Her family adhered to traditional norms, viewing education as unimportant for girls.
- Limited Financial Resources:
- Economic struggles made the family hesitant to invest in Anju’s education.
Intervention by Shirir Apna Adhikar Apna Program
Anju joined the Kishori Group formed under the program. The sessions focused on building awareness about body autonomy, reproductive health rights, and life skills.
- Awareness and Knowledge:
- Anju learned that child marriage is illegal and harmful to a girl’s health and future.
- She understood the value of education and the importance of making decisions about her life at the right time.
- Confidence Building:
- The program encouraged Anju to communicate assertively and advocate for her rights.
- Role-playing exercises and group discussions improved her self-esteem.
Actions
Taken
1. Standing Against Child Marriage:
o
Upon learning about her arranged marriage, Anju
confronted her parents.
o
She shared the knowledge gained from the program,
explaining the physical, mental, and legal risks of child marriage.
o
She expressed her desire to continue her education
and delayed marriage until she was ready.
2. Convincing Her Family:
o
Her persistence led her parents to understand her
perspective.
o
They promised to re-enroll her in school and allow
her to decide when she would marry.
3. Inspiring Others:
o
Anju shared her journey with other girls in her
village, encouraging them to speak up for their rights.
Outcome and
Impact
1. Education Resumed:
o
Anju’s parents supported her decision to continue
her studies.
2. Community Awareness:
o
Her story inspired other girls in the village to
advocate for their education and delay marriage.
3. Role Model Status:
o
Anju became a role model, proving that determination
and knowledge could challenge societal norms.
Conclusion
Anju’s journey underscores the transformative power of education and
awareness. The Shirir Apna Adhikar Apna program provided her with the
knowledge and confidence to stand up for her rights, resist child marriage, and
pursue her dreams.
Her story serves as a beacon of hope, showing how young women can
overcome societal pressures and make informed decisions about their lives when
equipped with the right tools.
Acknowledgment
Anju expressed her heartfelt gratitude to The Y.P. Foundation for
the Shirir Apna Adhikar Apna program. She hopes her story will inspire
other girls to pursue their dreams and stand up for their rights.
