Arifa Khatun, 14 years.
Vill. – Chanda, P.O. – Basuldanga, P.S. – Diamond Harbour, Dist. – 24 Pgs. South.
Student of Class – VIII, Netra High School.
Arifa, an exceptional girl living far from the ordinary, confronts life’s challenges head-on each day. Despite being only 14 years old, she has already endured a lifetime of trauma and struggles that have shaped her into a resilient fighter, determined to keep her dreams alive.
Born into an economically disadvantaged family, Arifa’s hurdles extended beyond financial difficulties. Witnessing her mother suffer daily abuse at the hands of her alcoholic father, who held disdain for the daughter merely because of the gender, scarred Arifa deeply. She was denied the warmth of a father’s love, as he cast them aside to form a new family after driving them out from their home.
Amidst the pain, Arifa’s mother found sanctuary in her maternal home, where they were reluctantly taken in as unwelcome burdens. Arifa’s grandmother states, “My daughter aspired to provide her children with a better life and brighter future, but the relentless torment inflicted by my son-in-law led to her untimely demise. Now, it’s our duty to care for the children.”
Tragedy struck when Arifa was only two and half years old – her mother succumbed owing to fragile health. The situation left even more more vulnerable. Discrimination deepened as she grew older, with her brother receiving an education while she was relegated to domestic chores alongside her aunt, solely due to her gender. Tragically, the family deemed this mistreatment “normal.”
Arifa did manage to attend school, albeit with ulterior motives. Her uncle persuaded her grandfather that a basic education would enhance her “worth” and reduce dowry demands in the future. She was perceived as an “extra mouth to feed,” straining a family already stretched thin. Despite this, she was reminded to be grateful for the meager provisions of food and shelter.
With a monthly income of Rs 3000/- from her uncle’s tailoring shop and her grandfather’s pan and bidi stall, survival was an ongoing battle. School became Arifa’s lifeline, her only source of hope. But then, a devastating blow: her grandfather decided it was time for her marriage.
His reasoning was to ensure her future before his time came. He believed marrying Arifa off would guarantee her meals and good future for the children when she becomes a mother. Her uncle shared this sentiment, offering to share the marriage costs as he wished to relinquish the responsibility of a teenage girl.
Upon learning of this arrangement, Arifa was shattered. While she knew marriage awaited her, she hadn’t fathomed it at the tender age of 14. However, after attending an enlightening workshop by KMWSC about the perils of child marriage, Arifa found the courage to stand up for her rights. It took time, but she managed to halt her impending marriage and resume her studies.
With persistence, she convinced her grandparents to back her education, agreeing to consider marriage only when she reached the legal age. This victory was hard-won for a 14-year-old village girl. Arifa recognizes that though she’s won a battle, a larger war looms as she nears 18 – a choice between education, dreams, and marriage. Financial constraints might impede her rebellion, but she focuses on her studies to honour her mother’s dreams.
Arifa, a Class 8 student and an active member of Kolkata Mary Ward Social Centre’s Child Parliament, is a force to be reckoned with. She’s acquainted herself with child marriage’s dangers, legal safeguards, and the significance of education. Driven by lofty ambitions that extend beyond marriage, Arifa refuses to lose the newfound voice and confidence she’s gained.
As a leading figure in the Child Parliament, Arifa’s mission is unwavering. She aspires to share her story and rally families in her village against child marriage. Empowering other girls, she demonstrates that if she can champion herself, they too can. In the face of adversity, Arifa emerges as a symbol of hope and resilience – a young heroine determined to change her destiny and that of others.
In acknowledgement of Arifa’s relentless struggle, her unwavering determination to stand up, and her remarkable commitment to empowering the young girls in her village, Arifa Khatun was honoured with the esteemed “Courage Award,” at the Telegraph School Award for Excellence 2023. This prestigious accolade recognizes her indomitable fight and serves as an inspiration to others who find themselves in similar challenging circumstances. Arifa’s journey embodies the spirit of courage that not only transforms her own life but also ignites a spark of hope in countless hearts.
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