Bharodi is a small village in Udaipur district, far from the hustle-bustle of the town with scattered houses seen on the top of small mountains of the Aravali range. The life of the villagers is mostly guided by the traditions and practices passed on from one to another. Out of all the traditions, few are restricting girls from exploring their talent and achieving their full potential. Child marriage is one such challenge for the girls of Bharodi village, it is not only dictating their lives towards adolescent pregnancy, high risk to abuse, financial instability etc. but also ruining their childhood and any prospect for being self-dependent.
Despite the adversities, a group of young girls is rewriting their destiny with a bat and a ball. These girls, play cricket with an infectious passion, are vocal, resilient, aware about their rights, and have a zeal to be independent in the future.
Knowing their interest in sports, ChildFund India supported them with cricket kits, basic training, and convincing their families to give them a chance to prove themselves. The girls started practicing in open fields, using makeshift equipment. The initial days were tough, with many villagers mocking them and questioning their intentions. Yet, their resolve only grew stronger. The cricket field became their sanctuary, a place where they could forget their worries and just play.
As the girls continued to play, their talent became evident. They started participating in local tournaments, often winning against more experienced teams. In the year 2023, in the Rajasthan Gramin Olympic Khel, a govt. program to boost sports at the district and regional level, the girls’ team won 1st prize at the block level and 2nd prize at the district level.
The perseverance, focus, resilience, and their parents’ consent took years to build and strengthen. Their journey started when most of them were 12-13 years of age, unaware that their future had already been sealed, just after their birth.
Their journey with ChildFund India run “Swabhiman” program started six years ago. It was their mothers, who first saw the potential of the Swabhiman program to change their lives and encouraged their girls to join the program. ChildFund team walked with them throughout their journey till they started solving their problems on their own.
The Swabhiman project plays a crucial role in empowering girls by providing them with essential tools such as education, health support, livelihood opportunities, counselling, and more. This program is designed to help girls break free from the generational cycle of child marriage and pursue their aspirations, fostering a future where they can achieve their full potential.
Many girls on the team are also preparing for govt. jobs to join the state police department while others aspire to play for the India Team and represent the country in The World Cup. Their dreams may be different, but they are united by their courage to challenge, become self-dependent, and break free from becoming a child bride.
While the change is visible, a lot has to be done to create resilient social systems where girls aspire, progress, and lead. Such social changes are dedicated to the extraordinary commitment of the girls, and their parents, and the unwavering support of our donors who support our mission to end child marriage.
Sheel Kumar
Manager, Communications
ChildFund India
