Education - not marriage

While boys are celebrated and encouraged in their education, for girls the situation can be a lot more challenging! Many are held back with the misconception that “more dowry is required for a girl’s marriage,” meaning investment in their education is seen as a waste. All too often this leads to interrupted or abandoned education for girls. This is especially prevalent in rural districts like Ahilyanagar (formerly Ahmednagar) as poverty, societal pressure and child marriage overshadow the dreams of young girls, pushing them toward marriage instead of school.

These traits start early with a girl's responsibilities in the home taking priority with daily duties including:

• fetching water

• washing utensils

• caring for younger siblings

This isn’t just the story of one girl; it’s the story of thousands of girls living in rural India and, at the cusp of completing their secondary education, many girls are told that studying further is unnecessary—instead marriage is the next step.

Despite this, many girls make the brave decision to choose their lives, their education and their identities over societal expectations.

Our Udaan team is committed to ending child marriage and empowering girls to complete their education under of umbrella aim of ending child marriage in our district by 2027. We have already prevented hundreds of marriages and returned girls to the classroom. While relatives argue: “This age is not for education; it’s for marriage” fearing that educated girls won’t listen to their elders or follow traditional norms, we know that by educating a girl you educate society. Therefore we are proud to celebrate our brave warriors who have escaped matrimony to complete their exams this year.

Passing the tenth grade isn’t just an academic milestone; for many, it’s a stand against superstition and societal barriers. Thanks to Udaan, seven girls who were rescued from marriages were able to pick up their books again. Gradually, they returned to school, some relearning alphabets, others overcoming fear of exams, and some facing the judgment of neighbors. Our Udaan team stood by them through counselling, regular visits, school-community dialogue and support from police and village councils. As a result, all seven successfully completed the tenth grade—scoring between 35% and 65%.

Also recued two years ago were five girls also on the verge of marriage, their schoolbooks replaced by wedding attire. Our collective efforts stopped the wedding plans and helped them resume their studies giving them the confidence to tell their teachers: “W won’t look back now. We will only move forward.”

Today, all five girls have cleared their twelfth exams with aspirations to become police officers, nurses or social workers. Their journey is a testament to resilience and the transformative power of education.

Unlike their urban counterparts, these girls face numerous hardships such as:

• Walking three kilometers or more to school

• Gathering kerosene for evening studies

• Missing school during periods due to lack of sanitary pads

• Facing ridicule for expressing emotions or seeking help

  
  

Despite these obstacles, they persevere. Their journey isn’t just about passing exams; it’s a battle for dignity, self-worth and a better future. Their success is a victory over societal barriers—a victory that must be celebrated and supported.

Our Udaan is a lifeline for girls in crisis. Through educational support, health check-ups, counselling and administrative assistance, Udaan helps girls rewrite their stories. It’s a safe haven—a second home—where they find hope and strength to fight against child marriage and discrimination.

The struggles of these girls reflect the reality in many communities. Every effort counts. Every girl who steps into a classroom is a step towards a brighter, more equal world.

Let’s stand together to support girls’ education—because when she rises, we all rise.

If you see a girl under the shadow of child marriage or societal neglect, remember saving her is our collective responsibility. We can help, please contact our confidential Udaan Helpline: 9011026495 / 9011098008.