Awareness enlightened the child and saved her future from the clutches of Child Marriage
Sabeena (name changed), a 16-year-old girl from the metropolitan city of Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation(GHMC), hailing from a poor economic family, found herself entangled with the family burdens situation. This case study sheds light on how the ASRITHA (Association for Social Reformation Integration and Thought of Health Awareness) team’s intervention helped Sabeena and her family escape the clutches of child marriage.
In the vulnerable area of the Singareni Colony of Saidabad, societal norms often perpetuated early marriages. Sabeena's family, like many others, adhered to traditional values but prioritized their daughter's education.
During an awareness campaign on child marriage organized by the ASRITHA team on 13.06.23, Sabeena’s case came to light. Our staff, ICDS Supervisor, DCPU team member, and Police staff went to the girl’s home for the verification. The girl named Sabeena was at home and verified that child marriage was performed and she was 16 years old as per education certificates.
The team provided emotional support and made them understand legal proceedings. Sabeena was produced before CWC and gave the statement.
After proceeding in front of the Child Welfare Committee (CWC)-Hyderabad and as per the instructions provided safe shelter at Government Children Girls Home- Nimboliadda. ICDS Supervisor gave a petition to the Saidabad Police station to file an FIR complaint on the violation of the Child Marriage act. Sensing the urgency and severity of the situation, the team decided to investigate further. Sabeena's family was initially hesitant to disclose the details, but with gentle persuasion, they shared the distressing story.
Realizing the need for immediate action, the team extended support to Sabeena by providing counseling for the child and facilitated her to continue her education through Open 10th and based on the interest of the child enrolled in a beautician course in the same government home. She learned to develop skills in beautician and prepare for the open 10th exams. She also made friends with other girls who had similar experiences. She gradually regained her confidence and dignity.
And for Sabeena’s family, ASRITHA helped them understand their rights and the legal consequences of child marriage. We are encouraging the family to stand against the injustice and the parent’s role in shaping the future of the girl child by respecting the dignity of the girl child.
The legal battle was not easy, but with the unwavering support of ASRITHA’s team Hyderabad, Sabeena's family emerged victorious. The boy faced legal consequences, and Sabeena was spared from a life-altering mistake. The incident prompted a shift in the community's mindset, with increased awareness about the harmful impacts of child marriage.
Sabeena's case serves as a poignant example of how our team interventions can empower vulnerable individuals and families to break free from the shackles of harmful practices. By combining legal support with community awareness, the NGO played a crucial role in preventing child marriage and fostering positive change in the village. Now Sabeena has been continuing her education through open 10th and based on the interest of the child enrolled in a beautician course in the same government home. She learned to develop skills in beautician and preparing for open 10th exams.
