Young Leader Advocates to End Child Marriage in Rural India

Since 2009, PHI’s Rise Up has partnered with women, girls and allies who are transforming their communities and countries as part of a global movement for justice and equity. At the heart of the organization is Rise Up’s powerful network of local leaders advocating for the rights and wellbeing of women, girls and gender non-conforming people.

In 2006, India passed the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, but according to the 2021 National Family Survey of Rajasthan, more than 25 percent of girls were still married before the age of 18.

Propelled by her experience and struggle, Heera Devi, a Rise Up leader from Rajasthan, India, is determined to put an end to child marriage in her community. Heera’s dream of pursuing an education was put on hold at the age of twelve—the year she got married. She was forced to drop out of school to work on her in-laws’ farm and soon became pregnant with her first child. Heera eventually resumed attending school but didn’t graduate due to her new responsibilities as a wife and mother.

With training and support from Rise Up, Heera plans to advocate for improved implementation of this law, by ensuring the appointment of Child Marriage Prohibition Officers who can enforce the law at a local level. She will carry out her advocacy through her work as a Senior Field Worker at Urmul Setu Sansthan, an organization dedicated to empowering women and children living in rural India. She is also currently facilitating and promoting village level vocational training for girls on stitching, embroidery, and handicraft items so that girls can become financially independent.

A version of this story first appeared in a Rise Up newsletter.