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"In our society, girls are often seen as burdens—someone to be married off as soon as they reach puberty. Family honour and pride take precedence over their lives, dreams, and potential. We have seen girls as young as 7 or 8 being married off to men aged 50 or 60. Victims of child marriage suffer rape and physical abuse. Many men leave these young girls with their friends for several nights, just as a show of power. I have even seen scars and cuts on the bodies of some of these girls. This is the mindset I am fighting. Change will only come when girls can stand up for themselves, become financially independent, and take control of their own futures. That is the world I am striving to build." – Roshni Perween
Hailing from the small village of Simalbari in Kishanganj, Bihar, Roshni Perween is a force of resilience and change. From being a child bride to becoming a social activist, her journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. Today, she runs Janta Express Foundation, an NGO dedicated to rescuing young girls from child marriage and trafficking, empowering them through vocational training and legal aid.
Roshni’s early life was marked by hardship that no child should ever have to go through
At just 14, while she was still in class nine, marriage proposals started pouring in. Despite her protests, she was married off before she could complete her board exams. Upon reaching her husband’s home, she was horrified to discover that he was 45 years old—three times her age. With no understanding of married life, she was forced into a relationship against her will, leaving her deeply traumatized. Three months later, she fled back to her parents’ home, only to realize she was pregnant. When she gave birth to a son, she was forced to return to her husband, who refused to accept her. Abandoned by both her husband and family, Roshni faced the world alone.
"My husband left me just because of my laughter - just because I was bubbly. I was broken, but I knew I could not let my circumstances define me. I had a son to raise and a future to rebuild. I had to prove that a woman, even one abandoned by society, could stand tall, be independent, and create a better life." – Roshni Perween
Because I was a single mother, people questioned my worth. But I proved them wrong
Determined to break free from the cycle of dependence, Roshni started working at a showroom while continuing her education. Over time, she took up small vocational jobs like teaching before securing roles with NGOs and government bodies as a field assistant in research projects. Despite facing constant societal shaming, she persevered. In 2022, she began working independently to support young girls facing similar struggles. By 2024, she formally registered her NGO, Janta Express Foundation, which now runs three sewing training centers in Kishanganj, helping women gain financial independence. The organization also provides legal aid, works to reintegrate school dropouts into education, and collaborates with government officials on welfare schemes.
"As a single mother, I was judged, ridiculed, and constantly reminded that I was ‘damaged’ and ‘unworthy.’ Because I was a single mother, people questioned my worth. They never took me seriously. Society thought I had no right to dream, no right to rebuild my life. But I refused to accept that. I fought back—not just for myself, but for every girl who has been told she is less because she is a woman." – Roshni Perween
She restores dreams and dignity, one life at a time
Among the many lives Roshni has touched, two cases stand out. One involves an 18-year-old widow abandoned by her in-laws after her husband's death. Left without financial support, the young woman was connected to legal aid and provided with a sewing machine, allowing her to regain her independence. She even managed to reclaim her dowry with Roshni’s intervention. Another case highlights a 16-year-old girl who was divorced and accused of infidelity simply because she had a cheerful personality and talked openly to everyone. With the NGO’s support, she secured employment at a mall and now earns a stable income.
"Each life we change proves that a woman’s worth is not defined by her marital status. It is defined by her strength, her resilience, and her ability to build a future on her own terms." – Roshni Perween
Despite the progress made, the fight is far from over - this Rramadan, empower a young girl to become self-reliant
Roshni dreams of setting up a home for young girls and women—a safe space where they can receive education, vocational training, legal support, and the emotional healing they need to rebuild their lives. To achieve this, she needs funds not just to expand her programs and open more training centers, but also to ensure the sustainability of her current initiatives. These funds will help her run the sewing centers, pay her staff, and spread awareness about the injustices faced by young girls in her community.
"The fight is far from over. Forty percent of women still suffer from child marriage and domestic violence. Change starts with us—stand with them, support their freedom, and be the reason for a better future." - RoshniYour support can rescue a girl from child marriage, provide education, and restore hope. Give now and be a part of their journey to freedom.
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EIN 20-5139364
