Jamuna Parida, a resident of Jemadeipur village, Odisha lives with her parents and two siblings. Her father is a daily wage laborer and has a hard time supporting the family. After completing matriculation Jamuna’ parents did not allow her to study further because of their poor financial conditions and also arranged her marriage. Jamuna is part of the adolescent girls group formed by VHAI-APARAJITA. During this period, VHAI organised a meeting between the District Leaders and the adolescent girls groups in which they discussed the importance of girl’s education and the adverse impact of child marriage. During the discussion, Jamuna shared her concerns that her parents are planning to marry her off.
After hearing her story, the District Leaders, adolescent group members and VHAI field staff members together met her parents and convinced them not to organize her marriage at such an early age. “I am grateful to the adolescent group members and the VHAI team for averting my marriage” Jamuna says. After this she participated in a vocational training on tailoring, supported by MNCP Project. Her earnings as a tailor have given a huge boost to her family’s income. This is enabling Jamuna to re-enroll in school and continue her education along with her work.
The story was also shared by More Than Brides Alliance at https://morethanbrides.org/blog/portfolio-items/story-of-jamuna-parida/