How Bangladeshi girls are keeping their independence

Aruna's parents arranged a marriage for her earlier this year, but this was after she learned about the effects of child marriage. "I was confident enough to say no," she declares proudly. "I'm not going to marry at this age, because I want to be independent. I have to have some education. If I was married now, I would have to be a servant in my husband's house. I don't want that." Empowering girls like Aruna through education helps them to realise that they do have a choice. For Aruna, her friends from a children's group meant she had a support network, unlike other girls who feel isolated, and do not know how to say no. Confidence in knowing her rights, and in receiving support from group members encouraged Aruna to think of what was right for her. She explained the negative effects of child marriage to her parents and proposed a deal: "If you allow me not to get married, then I won't watch television and I will study instead and do extra well in my exams." Her parents eventually agreed, and she is about to start year 10 at school. KF