I am Soni (fictitious name), 12 years old, and I am in the 7th grade. I have been associated with the Garima Kendra since 2019. My mother runs a shop in the market and my father works in a hotel.
I was alone at home when a 54-year-old man from the neighborhood came to my house and molested and raped me. I immediately filed a complaint and action was taken against him and he was sentenced to 23 years in prison.
I realized that if I had not been associated with the Garima Kendra, I might not have told anyone about the incident and would have been ashamed myself.
But the Garima Kendra had made us girls aware, taught us to speak up, and taught us not to remain silent about the exploitation happening to us. So I raised my voice against the accused and got him punished.
This case was being suppressed and the organization (Grameen Swalamban Samiti) helped. The organization took the case to the SP Office, Child Rights Center Bhopal, and the Women’s Commission. Only then, in 2023, a decision was taken on this case.
If I had not been associated with the Garima Kendra, I would have dropped out of school too. I would have been confined to my house. Everyone would have blamed me.
I protested against the incident and so today my studies are continuing.
I am getting support from the organization. I want to tell other girls that if anything wrong happens to them, they should not hide it and tell their family.
My main point is to share the information given by the Garima Kendra with your friends so that girls can raise their voice for their rights.
I believe that everyone should take recourse to law. It is our right.
Soni (fictitious name)
Mohalla: Ware House
Block: Orchha
District: Tikamgarh
Contact Person: Maya (Dignity Center Operator):786955645