At 14, Roshni Perween’s world was irrevocably altered. Married to a man three times her age, she was thrust into a life of violence and abuse.

At 15, when she became a mother, she walked away from her abusive marriage. Roshni took up a menial job to create a better future for herself and her child. Despite immense financial strain and societal pressures, Roshni persisted.

Driven by harrowing challenges and personal struggles, today, the 24-year-old has dedicated herself to preventing child marriages in her community.

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

In the past two years, Roshni has successfully prevented over 60 child marriages through counselling, advocacy, and community engagement.

She shares five key strategies to create a safer and more inclusive environment for young girls:

1) Advocating for stronger laws and setting up a dedicated team to respond to emergencies in a timely manner. 2) Integrating women’s rights education in school curricula so that young girls are aware of their rights.

3) Activating existing child protection committees at village, block, wards, and district levels by conducting monthly review meetings.

4) Establishing adolescent groups composed of champions from similar backgrounds to raise awareness and promote skill development among girls so that they can pursue a future full of opportunities. 5) Conducting regular follow ups with young girls after preventing their early marriages.