My Story

Pavani, a 6-year-old girl, faces discrimination and neglect at home due to her gender, with her parents disappointed that she isn't a boy. Her parents, daily wage farm laborers, believe investing in her upbringing is pointless as she'll eventually marry and go to her in-laws. Consequently, Pavani is assigned household chores at a young age, deprived of proper food, and scolded unfairly.

IGP social workers, alerted by a relative, intervene to address the discrimination. Pavani's parents initially resist, holding traditional beliefs that girls don't need education and should marry early. Through counseling, legal implications, and the involvement of a village-level volunteer, the parents eventually agree to stop Pavani's child labor and commit to her regular schooling. Ongoing visits and counseling are deemed necessary to change the parents' perspective on the value of educating and empowering girls.