KMWSC’s Support Turns Trauma Into Triumph: Celebrating the Bravery of 14-Year-Old Mena Khattun

KMWSC’s Support Turns Trauma Into Triumph: Celebrating the Bravery of 14-Year-Old Mena Khattun

When 14-year-old Mena Khattun (name changed) received the Bravery Award 2025 from the West Bengal Commission for Protection of Child Rights , it wasn’t just her victory — it was a testament to what timely support, protection, and empowerment can achieve.

Mena’s Life Before She Found KMWSC
Born into a poor, struggling family in Basirhat, North 24 Parganas, Mena grew up surrounded by hardship. Her father, battling severe cardiac problem, could not work regularly, and her family survived through brick-kiln labour. Amid this vulnerability, Mena faced a devastating trauma — she became a survivor of sexual abuse by someone she trusted. The abuse left her terrified, withdrawn, and unsure of how to move forward.

Where Others Saw a Victim, KMWSC Saw Strength
Mena came into contact with KMWSC through the Leadership and Empowerment of Survivors (LES) Project.

While she approached the centre timidly at first, the KMWSC team welcomed her with empathy, care, and respect.

Our support to Mena included:

Slowly, Mena began rebuilding her confidence. She joined the Survivors’ Group and became an active participant in awareness programmes, trainings, and peer support sessions. Step by step, she transformed from a frightened child into a girl with a voice, a purpose, and a growing sense of empowerment.

KMWSC’s Empowerment Training Saves a Life
Mena’s courage — strengthened through her sessions at KMWSC — was put to the ultimate test when her 13-year-old neighbour, Lillima Khatun, was bitten by a cobra on her way home from tuition. Hearing her cries, Mena ran to help.

Drawing from the awareness and skills taught through KMWSC’s empowerment sessions, she acted quickly:

• She tied a cloth below the knee to slow the venom’s spread
• She calmed the frightened girl
• She urged the parents to seek medical help

But the family wanted to take the child to a local Ojha (folk healer). This was the same family that once judged Mena harshly after her trauma.

Empowered by KMWSC’s teachings, Mena stood firm. She insisted that only hospital treatment could save the girl. Her conviction changed their minds. She personally accompanied Lillima to Shibhati Hospital, where immediate treatment saved her life.

Without KMWSC’s intervention in Mena’s journey, she might never have found the confidence to take such decisive action.

A Community Transformed
The family that once stigmatised her now praises her openly. They encourage their daughter to learn from Mena — a complete reversal driven by her newfound strength. Her bravery has shifted community perceptions, challenged stigma, and shown others the power of knowledge and empowerment.

Proudly Celebrating Mena
Today, Mena stands as a shining example of how trauma can transform into triumph when a child receives the right support.

Her Bravery Award is not just an honour — it is a validation of:

• her courage,
• KMWSC’s dedicated intervention, and
• the life-changing impact of safe spaces, counselling, and empowerment programmes.

KMWSC’s Message>
Mena, we are deeply proud of you. Your courage reflects the very purpose of our work — empowering every child to rise, rebuild, and reclaim her dignity.

You are not just brave — you are extraordinary.

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