My Story

Lathikashree’s mother was a victim of illegal child marriage herself—she was married to Lathikashree’s father at 15 years old, and had her first daughter a year later. After giving birth to Lathikashree, she was shocked to discover that her husband wasn’t interested in having daughters and wouldn’t even visit the hospital to meet his child and take them home. He refused to provide for Lathikashree and his wife, and his family sided with him against this young mother and daughter. Lathikashree’s mother was constantly pressured by her husband and his family to have a second child—and to make sure that, this time, it was a boy. When she instead gave birth to Lathikashree’s sister, Dhanusree, the family was deeply angered. Lathikashree’s father descended into alcoholism and viciously abused his wife and two daughters. 

Having two children at such a young age caused significant health problems for Lathikashree’s mother, and her doctors told her that she may not survive another pregnancy. But nothing mattered to Lathikashree’s father except having a son. He forced his wife to get pregnant a third time, and when this child was also a girl, he became irrationally angry. He threw Lathikashree’s younger sister, Dhanusree, in front of a stopped car hoping to rid himself of one of his “burdens.” Thankfully, their mother was able to rescue her before the car started to move.

The girls were traumatized from their volatile childhood and at great risk of being sexually abused or falling into substance abuse in the slum community where they lived. Even after their father died in a work accident, their living situation was just too dangerous, and Lathikashree’s mother decided that she needed to find a safe place for her daughters. While seeking help, she was referred to our social workers. Lathikashree and her younger sister, Dhanusree, were placed in our partner’s safe home, where they are now living in peace.

​​Your sponsorship helps cover Lathikashree’s tuition fees, provide her with a school uniform, and give her consistent and nutritious meals. She is protected from child marriage and physical abuse and has access to trauma counseling. Your support ensures that Lathikashree not only continues to grow in a healthy and safe environment, but also assures her that she is capable, valued, and loved.