Helping Women Find Their Voices
When Monica was in the 10th grade, her father died one month before her final exams. The only way her family could see their way out of the financial struggle brought on by his death was to marry her off. Monica was a shy, innocent girl not used to standing up for herself, but she found her voice when she saw her future slipping away.
“I knew I wasn’t ready to get married; it wasn’t right. I was determined to fight against my family and to never stop my studies.”
Monica was the first Sambhali Trust scholarship recipient. She was able to finish her studies and obtain her diploma in hotel management.
Meeting her now, you couldn't imagine she was ever shy and afraid to speak up for herself.
"I have become stronger and stronger, a woman who is not afraid anymore. My family is happy. Now, they encourage me to realize my dreams."
Monica currently works at a guesthouse and is still part of Sambhali Trust, tutoring the girls at the Laadli Boarding Home. She also worked in the Aadarsh program, teaching teens about puberty and sexual harassment in the schools.