The unseen impact of gender inequality on children’s futures
Gender inequality is a pervasive issue that affects millions of children globally, particularly in developing countries with high density of popu....
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Abandoned by her mother at the age of two, Rajeswari faced hardship since childhood. She was raised by her father with the support of her grandparents. Under pressure, her father remarried, hoping to provide Rajeswari with maternal care, but once her stepmother had a son, Rajeswari found herself neglected, though her grandparents remained supportive.
As part of a vulnerability assessment by CRY UK project in Andhra Pradesh, Rajeswari was identified as at high risk of dropping out of school and facing early marriage. Upon learning about Rajeswari's situation, the CRY UK project team intervened, involving her in child and adolescent collectives in her village. The life-skills sessions and activities conducted in these collectives boosted her confidence and academic performance, fueling her ambition to be self-reliant.
When a marriage proposal threatened her education, Rajeswari took a stand, bravely reporting it to the project team. The staff responded swiftly, sensitizing her family to the harmful effects of child marriage and explaining the educational opportunities available. Though her grandparents were resistant, after consistent visits and discussions, they agreed to let her continue her education, provided she passed her 10th-grade exams.
Rajeswari not only passed but excelled, winning her family’s support too. With help from CRY UK and the project team, she enrolled in a two-year Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT) course at Lady Ampthill Government College.
Now, on a path to self-reliance, Rajeswari is eligible for a government scholarship and has the potential to work in the public health sector right after graduation. She credits CRY’s Children and Adolescent Collective for giving her the strength to protect her future, underscoring the transformative power of education and the importance of empowering young girls.
Help more girls like Rajeswari chase their dreams by donating to CRY UK today and being a part of this amazing change.
*Name changed to protect the identity of the child.
Gender inequality is a pervasive issue that affects millions of children globally, particularly in developing countries with high density of popu....
Read More
Education is a fundamental right, yet millions of underprivileged children worldwide are denied access to it. Barriers like poverty, discriminati....
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