Education over early marriage

Pinki is an outspoken and confident young woman who actively participated in meetings and trainings through the Girls’ Club under The Hunger Project India’s Adolescent Girls Program. A
regular attendee of bi-monthly meetings, her interest in education grew steadily after joining the program.

Pinki comes from a family of daily-wage construction workers. Believing marriage would offer security, her parents decided to marry her off while she was still in school. Despite school closures during COVID-19 increasing the pressure to marry, Pinki firmly opposed the decision and remained committed to her education.

When her family attempted to arrange the marriage without her consent, Pinki sought support from a fellow Girls’ Club member. With the encouragement and collective action of the group, a family meeting was called. Pinki asserted her right to choose, and her family ultimately agreed to delay the marriage.

This moment became a turning point in her life. Pinki has now gotten admission in a Bachelor of Arts degree at the Jhajha College. She has also gained skills in stitching and beauty services, earning AUD 45 to AUD 60 per month, which she uses to support her education and contribute to her family’s income.

Empowered by the program, Pinki now supports other girls facing violence and the pressure of early marriage, becoming a leader and role model in her community.