Case Story: Savita’s Courage to Stand Against Child Marriage

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.