My Story

Deepika is the third of three girls in a household that only wanted boys. She had the opportunity to attend school for the past three years, but this year her father took her out of school to force her to work in order to pay for her future dowry. Her older sister also worked for her dowry and married at fourteen years old, which is the fate that Deepika is afraid of—and the one she is statistically likely to experience. Deepika is not only being forced to work as a coolie, but has worked as a servant in her own home by cleaning, cooking, and taking care of the house. Her mother revealed to us that Deepika’s father regularly physically and emotionally abuses the women in the house, leaving them vulnerable and incapable of independence. 

Deepika’s uncle contacted us for support with the hope of giving his niece the future she desired. However, when one of our social workers arrived, Deepika’s father became furious and refused to have a conversation with us. Her mother explained that she feels trapped by her abusive husband and because she can’t earn more wages for her family—to the extent that she believes her life may not continue much longer. Her only request was that Deepika be given safety and schooling. Her father ultimately rejected responsibility for Deepika, insisting that she brought insult and embarrassment to the family, and said that he would disown her as his daughter if she left. 

Thankfully, Deepika has now left an environment where she was discriminated against and neglected. With us, she will be given options. Going to school means that she will not be forced to work and marry—instead, she will have the power to choose her own path. With your sponsorship, Deepika will live without fear for her safety and will be able to grow into a strong woman, secure in her value and worth.