The following article was written by our project manager in India. He is kept very busy visiting each school at least once a month and solving all the hard problems.
Recently, I visited one of our computer centers, where our teacher introduced me to a student and encouraged me to listen to her story. Our center has about 22 girls, aged 15 to 22, most of whom are in high school or college. As I sat down with this particular student—whom I will leave unnamed—I had no idea her story would leave such a profound impression on me.
The 17-year-old had just completed high school and dreamed of continuing her education in accounting. However, her parents had other plans. They strictly forbade her from going to college or attending computer classes, insisting that she should get married instead. (Note: The legal marriageable age in India is 18.) Despite her repeated attempts to reason with them, they remained firm in their decision. To them, her future was already set—marriage, not education.
Day after day, she fought the same battle. The pressure from her family grew unbearable. Then, one day, fed up and desperate to take control of her own future, she made a shocking decision—she shaved off all her hair. Afterward, she began covering her head with a stole every day, hiding her bold choice from others.
In India, long hair is often seen as a symbol of beauty for women. She knew that if she no longer had long hair, potential suitors would see her and reject the marriage proposal. In her mind, this was the only way to escape being married off so young and buy herself time to pursue her studies.
When I heard her story, I was deeply shaken. On one hand, I was angry with her parents, but on the other, I was moved by her determination. Her hunger for education, her willingness to take such a drastic step to continue learning, was inspiring. It made me wonder—when will parents in our society understand the true value of education for girls? Why do so many still believe that educating a son is important, but educating a daughter is not?
In one of my meetings with villagers, I addressed this very issue. I told them, “If you refuse to educate your daughters, then you have no right to demand a female doctor when you take your wife or daughter-in-law to the hospital.”
Education is not a privilege; it is a right. Every girl deserves the chance to learn, grow, and shape her own future—not be forced into marriage against her will. This young girl’s courage reminded me of the many silent struggles girls face across our villages. I pray that one day, our society will change, and no girl will have to go to such lengths to claim her right to education.
For more information on our computer training schools, please contact Gerry@GlobalHelpsNetwork.org