My name is Rima, and I am pursuing my Honours degree. Today, I am proud to be building the future I once feared losing. As a teenager, I faced an attempted child marriage that threatened to end my education and take away my right to choose my own path. But with the right knowledge, confidence, and support, I found the courage to stand up for my dreams.
Finding Her Voice
When I was in Grade 10, I regularly attended life-skills sessions at the Mira Para Fun Centre through the Tipping Point Project. My father ran a small cloth business, and I dreamed of completing my education, building a career, and becoming financially independent.
Despite being teased by some boys on my way to the Fun Centre, I continued attending the sessions. They helped me understand my rights, build my confidence, and recognize the importance of speaking up for myself.
Standing Up for My Future
My dreams were suddenly threatened when a marriage broker misled my family, falsely claiming that I had agreed to marry and that my father had given his consent. Before I could make my voice heard, a wedding date was fixed.
When I told my father that I did not want to get married, he became upset, believing I had already agreed. I knew that staying silent could cost me my education and independence. So, I decided to speak up.
I called a family meeting with my parents, elder sister, brother-in-law, and the broker. Although I was nervous, I gathered the courage to say:
“I do not want to get married now. I want to continue my education and build a career. Please do not destroy my life and my dreams.”
My sister and brother-in-law stood beside me, reminding my parents that I was under 18 and deserved the opportunity to continue my education. My father eventually realized that the broker had deceived the family.
The marriage was cancelled, and I got the chance to continue pursuing my dreams.
A Future of My Own
The Tipping Point Project played a vital role in my journey. Its life-skills sessions helped me understand my rights and gave me the confidence to challenge a decision that could have changed my life forever. Today, as an Honours student, I continue working towards my dreams of completing my education, building a successful career, and becoming financially independent. I hope my story will inspire other girls to speak up for their rights and aspirations. Every girl deserves the freedom to learn, dream, and make decisions about her own future.
Through the Tipping Point Project, Rima gained the knowledge, confidence, and life skills to challenge child marriage and protect her right to education. Her journey shows how empowering adolescent girls to understand their rights and find their voices can help them challenge harmful social norms and shape their own futures. With the right knowledge and support, girls can make informed choices and pursue the lives they envision for themselves.