India has the highest number of child brides in the world, in fact, UNICEF reports an estimated 47 percent are married before their eighteenth birthday.
Three years ago, 18-year-old Usha (pictured) came close to being a part of that statistic. What made the difference is a child-protection program helping 4,746 children and youth, like Usha, understand their rights, report violations and take action.
Usha wanted to tell her story:
“When my mother told me I had to marry my 31-year-old uncle [17 years older than me], I cried and shouted. My mother reacted very badly and had relatives come to convince me,” she recalls. “I was absolutely scared of anybody coming to my house.
Right away, I told a child-protection committee member, left a note in the complaint box and spoke to CCFC’s local partner, SPEECH. The issue was brought to the attention of the government child helpline SPEECH runs [and promotes].
Immediately a team from the Social Welfare Board, Anti-Human Trafficking police unit and SPEECH came to talk to me and my family.
Since then, I’ve been in a hostel so I can continue my education safe from child marriage. Now I’m going to college for nursing.
I am grateful to Canadians for their support. I am empowered because of the [child-protection] program. It has built up my resilience in fight[ing] injustice. I want to become an advocate pleading for girls like me.”