She survived a child marriage, now she’s fighting to end them for good

Roshni Perween was 15 when her parents decided to force her to marry a man three times her age. But fighting through her experience of sexual violence and social stigma, The Better India reports Roshni has now dedicated her life to ending the practice, becoming a recognized change-maker in the country.  

“I had my whole future in front of me” 

When Roshni entered 9th grade, she was looking forward to school and hanging out with her friends. Then her life was turned on its head. At just 15, her parents forced her to marry a 45 year-old man, despite her resistance. After the wedding when she moved into his home things only got worse.     

Roshni shared: 

I had my whole future in front of me but despite a lot of opposition, I was married off…I was very young and knew nothing about life after marriage. My husband forced himself on me and I was shocked to my core.

After just three months Roshni worked up the courage to leave her abusive husband and return to her parents home. However she soon realized she was pregnant. After the birth of her son, facing rejection by her own family on top of societal stigma, Roshni made a tough decision. She walked away from the abusive marriage, got a job and started building a better life for herself and her son.  

From survivor to fierce advocate  

As a young single mother, things began to change for Roshni when she connected with a community of other child marriage survivors through a local charity. Finding others who had experienced the trauma and pain of child marriage lit a spark in the 17 year-old.  

Roshni said: 

I learnt that there were similar women like me. I was not alone. I thought, why don’t I become a voice for such women? 

Today Roshni spearheads awareness raising initiatives on the dangers of early marriage. She also works to empower young girls everywhere to reclaim their future. Going into rural schools and communities, Roshni creates education and support groups for adolescent girls.  

In addition, through her advocacy, Roshni learns in advance of planned child marriages. She counsels the parents on the dangers of child marriage, and if that doesn’t work, she turns to the law. By explaining the legal issues, she obtains an affidavit signed by the parents stating they agree not to marry off their daughters until they are 18. 

Roshni stated: 

When I was married off and got pregnant at a young age, I lost my motive to live. But helping these young girls break free from the shackles of early marriage has given me a purpose. Now, I have only one dream — to see a child marriage-free India in my lifetime. 

Roshni said through counseling alone they have prevented 20 marriages in her home province. And her efforts over the past two years have prevented more than 60 girls from the harms of child marriage.   

Help Roshni’s dream come true 

Marriage before 18 is illegal in India. But like many other places, all too often law enforcement simply looks the other way. In addition, most children don’t know their rights or who to turn to for protection even if they do.  

In Bihar where Roshni lived, The National Family Health Survey reports that approx. two out of five women were married before reaching 18. Globally 12 million girls are married each year. That translates into 22 girls every minute.  

Freedom United shares Roshni’s dream of a world free from child marriage. And her story is a powerful reminder of the transformative impact one individual speaking out can have. Add your voice to those of Roshni and Freedom United and say no to child marriage wherever it is found.