“You’re getting married.” That’s what Babita Mukhiya’s family decided—without asking her. But Babita had bigger dreams than becoming a child bride, and she wasn’t afraid to fight for them.

At 19, Babita’s life flipped upside down when her family called her home from her hostel, pretending it was just a visit. Instead, they pressured her to marry. When she refused, the accusations came flying. “They said I must be in a secret relationship,” Babita recalls. The emotional attacks were relentless, but Babita’s determination burned brighter.

“I didn’t want to get married, but I had no idea how to speak against it. My family’s decision felt final, and I was left feeling helpless.”

So, what gave her the strength to fight back? Social Awareness Activities (SAA) sessions. These workshops taught her the real impact of child marriage on health and education—and introduced her to lifelines like the child helpline number 1098. “These sessions gave me the confidence to speak up,” she explains. Armed with this knowledge, Babita boldly told her family she wasn’t ready for marriage. Instead, she was determined to focus on her education and future.

“When I participated in the SAA sessions, I gained the courage to speak up. I realized the importance of my education and how marriage at such a young age would derail my dreams,”

Her defiance didn’t just stop her marriage; it lit a spark in her community. Babita’s story became a source of inspiration for other girls, showing them the power of standing up for their dreams. Now, as a Grade 12 student, Babita proves that change starts with one brave decision—and she’s inspiring others to make theirs.

Babita’s journey is proof that anyone can challenge harmful traditions and create a better future. With courage, knowledge, and a refusal to back down, she’s breaking barriers and building a path for others to follow.