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Santadevi MeghwalIndian girl married at 11 months.
Country:
 India |
Content:
- An Indian Girl Married at 11 Months
- A Childhood Stolen
- A Fight for Freedom
- The Role of 'Saarthi Trust'
- Convincing the Father
- Changing the Narrative
- The Plight of Child Marriage in India
- Kriti Bharti's Global Recognition
An Indian Girl Married at 11 Months
Sumantadevi Meghwal, a 19-year-old Indian woman, recently fought for and obtained a divorce, ending a marriage that had lasted almost her entire life. Meghwal was married at the tender age of 11 months, a practice that is still prevalent in some patriarchal societies.
A Childhood Stolen
Meghwal discovered her marriage to 28-year-old Saanval Ram only two years ago. The news came as a shock, and she attempted to annul the marriage. However, her efforts were met with fines and ostracism from her community.
A Fight for Freedom
Determined to break free from her forced marriage, Meghwal sought help from a local charity and an activist who specializes in child marriage cases. With their support, Meghwal initiated a legal battle, ultimately winning her freedom.
The Role of 'Saarthi Trust'
The 'Saarthi Trust,' founded by child rights activist Kriti Bharti, played a crucial role in Meghwal's fight. Bharti has successfully annulled 29 other child marriages. She also organized the first successful child divorce in India in 2012.
Convincing the Father
Initially, Meghwal's father, Padma Ram Meghwal, resisted her efforts to annul the marriage. However, through Bharti's intervention, he eventually came around. Bharti emphasized the double-edged sword faced by parents in such situations: understanding their error while facing social pressure to conform.
Changing the Narrative
Bharti's efforts extended beyond Meghwal's individual case. She engaged with the court that had previously punished Meghwal and convinced them to approve the annulment. This move aimed to bridge the gap between Meghwal and the society that had once condemned her.
The Plight of Child Marriage in India
India continues to struggle with child marriage, with the state of Rajasthan ranking among the highest in the country. Despite laws prohibiting marriage before the age of 18 for girls and 21 for boys, patriarchal traditions prevail in rural areas. Activist like Kriti Bharti are working to combat these practices and empower young girls like Meghwal.
Kriti Bharti's Global Recognition
Bharti has been awarded a scholarship by the 'Trust Women Conference.' She will travel to London to address global leaders on issues related to women's rights and modern slavery. Bharti's voice will resonate with powerful individuals, including corporate leaders, lawyers, activists, and philanthropists.
