My Story

Nannayya and Lakshmi got married, but Nannayya wanted only male heirs. When Lakshmi gave birth to girls, he abused her and stopped providing for the family. Lakshmi worked as a lowly street sweeper to support them, but Nannayya's alcohol addiction and abuse continued. He pressured her for a boy, which obviously she could not guarantee. With no support from Nannayya, Lakshmi sent her daughters to her mother's house. Despite her reluctance, Nannayya insisted on having more children, hoping for a son. Life at home had become unbearable for Lakshmi. So she tearfully approached our social worker, pleading to save her daughters and seeking a better future for them. The IGP social workers, along with village volunteers and elders, visited their home to explain the importance of valuing girls. However, despite the efforts, the father remained uncooperative. The social workers then outlined the Child Labor Act and the consequences he would face if he proceeded with his plans. The threat of legal action against him caused him to commit to not not sending the girls into bonded labor. Without intervention, the girl could have been forced into child labor.