"I am beyond thrilled to be able to continue my education now. It hasn't been easy for a girl like me from a family like mine to dream big. People are as great as their dreams and while I'm not sure if I'll reach mine, I aspire to make a positive impact and support the underprivileged once I finish my education. I'm actively raising awareness in the community about the importance of education and the harmful effects of early marriage," said Minara, a 15-year-old girl who is the youngest of five siblings living in a village in Bishwamvarpur with her father, older brother, sister-in-law and little niece.
Minara's sisters fell victim to early marriage, so she believed she would succumb to the same fate. Her sisters had to abandon their education, consent to marriage against their will, leave their homes, and embark on lives vastly different from their dreams.
“I witnessed my sisters being forced to drop out of school. Had they been able to pursue their education, their lives could have taken a different path. They could have achieved financial independence and even supported our family,” Minara said sadly.
Minara, like other marginalised girls, faced the risk of early marriage due to her family's deteriorating financial situation. Her father is unable to contribute, so the family relies solely on her brother's income as a day labourer. However, the inconsistent availability of work makes it challenging to sustain her education. Her family is barely able to provide nutritious food when there is no work.
Despite the adversities, Minara has been with ActionAid Bangladesh's Child Development Centre (শিশু বিকাশ কেন্দ্র) since 2016. At the center, she learned about the importance of education for a better future and the detrimental effects of early marriage. Minara is also an active member of a Child Forum, where she has acquired leadership skills and confidence to protest harmful social norms.
“Since 2016, I have been a member of the Child Forum, where enlightening discussions have deepened my understanding of children's and girls' rights,” she added.
In 2023, ActionAid Bangladesh provided Income Generating Activities (IGA) support such as tailoring and dress making and seed capital of BDT 6,000 to 95 families, including Minara’s to be able to support education expenses and acquire new alternative livelihood skills. By providing tailoring services to women of the Reflection Action Circle (RAC) run by ActionAid Bangladesh and others in the community. Minara’s family now earns BDT 1,500 per month. With the additional income, Minara's brother also invested in goat rearing.
Minara's family takes pride in her accomplishments and no longer presses her into marriage. They encourage others in the community to protect the rights of children and give them a chance for a brighter future.
