When Sita* was just 15 years old, she was married to a man named Mahesh. For years, they were unable to have children. Eventually, Sita gave birth to a baby girl, whom they named Amiya. But Mahesh was disappointed—he had desperately wanted a son. From the very beginning, he showed no affection for Amiya and treated her unfairly.

As Amiya got older, Sita asked her husband to let their daughter attend an English speaking school. At first, Mahesh refused. He didn’t see any reason to educate a girl—he was already planning to marry her off early. But Sita didn’t give up. She gently told him that the school offered free meals for the students, which would help them save money. Because of that reason, he finally agreed to send Amiya to school.

Some time later, Sita gave birth to a baby boy. This time, Mahesh was overjoyed. He threw a big celebration, bought his son brand-new clothes, and when he was old enough enrolled him in a private, English speaking school. He wore a fresh uniform every day and had a birthday cake every year on his birthday. Amiya, on the other hand, was left out—no new clothes, no encouragement in her education, and no birthday celebrations.

One day, Amiya asked if she could study at the same school as her brother. Her father grew angry. “You’re going to be married soon,” he snapped. “You don’t need more education.” Amiya cried. At first, Sita thought he was just speaking out of frustration. But when he kept repeating the same words, she realized he meant it.

Determined to protect her daughter, Sita reached out to a trusted friend, who told her to contact a local social worker from IGP. Sita met the social worker in tears, begging for help to stop her daughter’s early marriage.

IGP’s social worker took immediate action. She visited the family along with respected community members to talk with Mahesh. They explained the emotional and physical harm that child marriage causes. A nurse also came and shared the health risks for his daughter, but Mahesh refused to listen.

Finally, the team tried again and explained the legal consequences of child marriage—that it is against the law and punishable by jail time. Hearing this, Mahesh grew frightened. He finally agreed to let Amiya continue her education. 

Because of her mother’s bravery and the support of our social worker and the community, Amiya was saved from child marriage. Today, through our Child Sponsorship Program, we will care for Amiya, protect her, continue to counsel her father, and ensure she receives a quality education. Her future is protected—she has the chance to learn, dream, and grow. 

Amiya’s story is one of IGP’s many stories of empowerment and hope. Every day, girls in India face struggles much like hers. IGP is dedicated to reaching these precious girls and giving them opportunities for a bright future. We are the sole international humanitarian organization working with grassroots organizations in India to prevent female gendercide and trafficking and to protect and save girls’ lives. Will you join us to ensure Amiya and other girls like her are valued and SEEN?

*All names changed to protect privacy.