In a remarkable display of courage and determination, a woman hailing from Bihar’s Kishanganj district has emerged as a beacon of hope for countless young girls in the Seemanchal region, as she has singlehandedly prevented around 50 instances of child marriage.
Roshni Parveen, a 23-year-old social activist, has not only triumphed over her own personal ordeal of being forced into child marriage at the tender age of 14, but has also managed to save numerous girls from a similar fate. Her resilience is even more commendable considering she is now a mother to an eight-year-old son.
Having lived through the hardships and suffering that child marriage entails, Parveen has made it her life’s mission to safeguard other young girls from experiencing the same trauma. Recalling her own painful journey, she shared, “When I was just 14, my parents arranged my marriage to a much older man. While other children were dreaming of pursuing higher education, I found myself facing an unplanned pregnancy.” After two years of enduring a difficult marriage, she found the strength to divorce her husband.
Parveen’s resolve to prevent other girls from enduring a similar fate led her to travel from village to village across the Muslim-dominant districts of Kishanganj, Araria, Purnea, Katihar, and Khagaria. Armed with unwavering determination, she worked tirelessly to thwart child marriages, either by liaising with district authorities or through heartfelt persuasion. It’s estimated that she has successfully saved approximately 50 girls, particularly from the Muslim community.
“I’ve felt the pain of child marriage firsthand, and I’m committed to sparing other girls from this agony. This determination drives my lifelong dedication to this cause,” Parveen shared earnestly. In her efforts, she collaborates with the Nguvu Collective, a social welfare organization, and employs both personal and virtual means to spread awareness in the region.
Parveen’s ultimate goal is to meet Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and implore his support in launching a statewide awareness campaign against the social evil of child marriage. “I’m hopeful that he will grant me an audience, so I can share my own harrowing story, as well as the stories of countless other teenage girls,” she expressed with optimism.
Roshni Parveen’s inspiring journey stands as a testament to the power of resilience and compassion in the face of adversity. Her unwavering commitment to shielding young girls from the clutches of child marriage is a shining example of how individual actions can spark meaningful change within a community.
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