Surpassing Stereotypes: Youth in Children International Programs Not Only Overcome Gender Discrimination – They Often Exceed Their Own Expectations
By Deron Denton
Managing a vegetable cart on the bustling streets of Kolkata, India, 18-year-old Susmita sustains a quiet, if fierce, dignity. It's a dignity born of opportunity, as well as rugged determination.
Unlike her two older sisters – and nearly half of all young women in India – Susmita didn't marry before her 18th birthday. "After completing public school," she recalls, "my family was adamant that I should get married. I was equally adamant that I wanted to study."
Susmita credits her involvement with our youth programs for helping her foster the inner strength to persevere against traditional gender type. "The Youth Program," she says, "raised my level of confidence ... and also has enhanced my negotiation skills. And these have helped me overcome challenges that I face every day in the family."
Now, thanks to her hard work and a HOPE scholarship, Susmita tends the vegetable cart in the morning and attends college courses in the afternoon, where she is studying to become a teacher.
"The aim of my life is to be self-sufficient," she says with pride. Adding, "... the HOPE scholarship is like a boon that has changed the course of my life."
Photo and reporting assistance by Nivedita Moitra.
This story, along with two other success stories, is available on the eNews section of our website.
Learn more about how Children International is empowering girls.
About Children International
Children International prepares children and youth to escape the traps of poverty by supporting their critical needs, building resilience, and engaging them in transformative activities. Children International accomplishes this by providing crucial benefits and compassionate care through easily accessible, modern community centers. Children International’s presence, programs and supporters have a positive impact on children, youth, families and communities; provide protection; encourage self-sufficiency; and serve as catalysts for change.
For more information about Children International, visit www.children.org.
