An inspiring teen stands up for her right to say no to child marriage

Geetha’s story: a journey from (near) child bride to university student 

Geetha:

My name is Geetha, I live with my mother and father. I have an older sister who is married. My father works as a labourer, and my mother does seasonal work. She is usually at home when she can’t find any work.

Chinamma (Geetha’s mother):

My oldest daughter’s name is Latha. She finished Grade 6. When she reached puberty, at age 12, we had her marry, as we couldn’t afford to keep her in school. As per our tradition, we decided our younger daughter (Geetha) should marry as well.

Lavanya Kesavaraj:

Child marriages are very prevalent in Andhra Pradesh, particularly in the Bangarupalyam block, where we work. Most importantly, as we work with tribal communities, there is existing cultural practice of girls getting married early.

Sree Latha:

Many families think that it is not safe to send girls to other villages or other places for education. And when she (Geetha) was 15 years old, studying in 10th Grade, her family arranged a marriage for her.

Geetha:

I was very sad my parents forced me to drop out of school. I told my friends and teachers I did not want to get married, that I would rather study and continue my education.

I also sought help from my neighbours and sister to convince my parents to let me stay in school.

However, my parents didn’t listen to anyone and were determined to have my married, because I’m a girl.

I am an active member of the Village Development Committee as well as the Youth Club. Every month, we conducted meetings where we learned about and discussed child marriage and other village-related issues.

I was hopeful if I approached them, they would stop my marriage. So, I reached out to them for help.

Bharathi:

Geetha approached us and said: “I am not interested in marriage; they’re forcing me to get married, but I want to study.” Everyone in the village met to discuss this, and together we informed the Asha workers, the Angawadi workers and the Sarpanch about the planned child marriage for Geetha. Together, we stopped the marriage and sternly told Geetha’s parents that she should not be forced to marry at such a young age.

Sree Latha:

We have counseled the parents, and we re-enrolled the child (Geetha) in school in 10th Grade. After that, she continued her education. She is working as a volunteer
also, developing her own village, her own community.

Geetha:

Through this job, I want to do good things for the development of my village. I’ve mobilized and helped people by connecting them to relevant government programs and benefits they’re entitled to. I also chose this job to support my father financially.

Lavanya Kesavaraj:

Children Believe and our program partners have been engaged [in] working with communities, with young people, women and girls. Through various interventions, there are 50 or more villages that have absolved the practice of child marriages. There are several agents of change — girls emerging as agents of change. One such example is Geetha.

Geetha:

All girls should stand on their own two legs, know their rights and be able to continue their education. This is a suggestion I would like to give to every girl.