Introduction

Savita, a 16-year-old girl from Sohas Khas Gram Panchayat, Uska Bazaar block, Siddharthnagar district, Uttar Pradesh, has emerged as a symbol of empowerment and resilience. Her journey from being a quiet teenager to a confident young girl advocating for her rights reflects the transformative impact of the Shirir Apna Adhikar Apna Program, supported by The Y.P. Foundation.

Background

  • Name: Savita*
  • Father’s Name: Parmesh*
  • Village: Sohas Khas
  • Block: Uska Bazaar
  • District: Siddharthnagar
  • Age: 16 years
  • Education: Class 10

*Change Name

Savita belongs to a family of nine members. In May 2020, her father arranged her marriage without seeking her consent, believing that it was the right time for her to settle down. However, equipped with knowledge gained from the Shirir Apna Adhikar Apna Program, Savita decided to challenge this decision.

Challenges Faced

  1. Forced Early Marriage:
    • Her father made plans for her marriage without consulting her, which would have ended her education.
  2. Community Norms:
    • Child marriage was widely accepted in her community, and girls were expected to marry early.
  3. Resistance to Change:
    • Initially, her parents resisted her decision to continue her education and delay marriage.

Intervention by Shirir Apna Adhikar Apna Program

Savita joined the Kishori Group formed under the Shirir Apna Adhikar Apna Program in September 2019. Through regular sessions and discussions, she learned:

  1. Legal Rights and Health Implications:
    • Child marriage is illegal and poses serious health and psychological risks.
    • The program emphasized that girls should marry only after turning 18 and when they feel mentally and physically prepared.
  2. Communication and Advocacy Skills:
    • The program taught her how to express her concerns and advocate for her rights effectively.
  3. Building Confidence:
    • The group discussions and exposure to real-life examples boosted her confidence to stand up for herself.
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Actions Taken

  1. Speaking to Her Parents:
    • Savita courageously confronted her parents, explaining her desire to continue her education and delay marriage.
    • She shared examples from the program, illustrating the negative consequences of child marriage.
  2. Gaining Family Support:
    • Her persistence eventually convinced her parents, who promised not to pressure her into marriage and allowed her to focus on her studies.
  3. Inspiring Others:
    • Savita shared her experience with other girls in her Kishori Group, encouraging them to stand up for their rights.
    • Her schoolteachers, upon learning about her actions, praised her determination and encouraged her to continue her education.

Outcomes and Impact

  1. Continued Education:
    • Savita resumed her studies and is now pursuing her dreams of higher education.
  2. Community Awareness:
    • Her story has inspired other girls in her village to become aware of their rights and resist societal pressures.
  3. Recognition as a Role Model:
    • Savita’s courage and determination have earned her admiration from her peers, teachers, and the wider community.

Conclusion

Savita’s story demonstrates the life-changing impact of the Shirir Apna Adhikar Apna Program. By empowering her with knowledge and confidence, the program enabled her to challenge societal norms, resist child marriage, and focus on her education.

Her journey is a powerful reminder of the importance of educating girls about their rights and providing them with the tools to make informed decisions. Savita’s success serves as an inspiration for others, proving that informed individuals can drive meaningful change in their communities.

 

Acknowledgment

Savita expressed her heartfelt gratitude to The Y.P. Foundation for running the Shirir Apna Adhikar Apna Program. She hopes that many more girls in her village and beyond will benefit from the program, just as she did.