In a remarkable story of courage and determination, Roshni Perveen, a 23-year-old from Kishanganj district, has transformed her painful past into a powerful mission. Married off at just 14, her marriage ended in divorce after two years, leaving her as a young mother. Instead of succumbing to her circumstances, she took it upon herself to protect other girls from the clutches of child marriage.
With unwavering resolve, Perveen has been on a mission to eradicate the scourge of child marriage, particularly in the Muslim-majority border areas. Her personal ordeal became the driving force behind her efforts. She aims to eliminate this practice from her region by 2024, sparing girls the trauma she endured.
Saving Lives, One Girl at a Time
Over the past seven years, Perveen has successfully intervened and saved nearly 50 teenage girls from being trapped in child marriages. Collaborating with local authorities and utilizing her persuasive skills, she has also spearheaded awareness campaigns across border districts, in partnership with the Nguvu Collective, a social organization.
From Victim to Advocate
Reflecting on her own haunting experience as a 14-year-old bride, Perveen recalls the fear and suffering she endured. She vowed to prevent others from enduring the same fate and launched a personal and virtual campaign against child marriage, covering villages in Kishanganj, Katihar, Purnia, and Khagaria.
Seeking Systemic Change
Despite efforts by District Child Protection Units, Perveen emphasizes that more needs to be done at the grassroots level to curb child marriage. She aspires to meet Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to share her story and the stories of countless young girls facing similar hardships. Her hope is that her plea for change will find resonance this Independence Day.
