[Survivor Series] Ashamed that my sister eloped, my parents stopped me from studying further

I am Shradha Khodiyatar from a village called Hunterpur in the Bagasara Block of Amreli district in Gujarat. I come from a family of eight - including five sisters, one brother, and parents. My family depends largely on agriculture for income and has very limited resources.

I am a 10th grade student at Shastri Vidyalaya School at Bagasara. Additionally, I have joined the IBM STEM for Girls project. Ever since the pandemic started, things have been different at home. I had not been able to regularly attend the school or STEM classes.

I truly believe in the importance of equal opportunities for girls and boys in terms of education and resources for study and career choices. In today’s world, parents should support girls so they can achieve their dreams and become successful women.

During the pandemic, my sister got married without our parents' consent. My family was afraid of being humiliated and my father stopped me from enrolling in classes so this wouldn't happen to me too. My father took away my phone and also stopped me from playing with my friends out of fear that I would do the same.

Considering this, the STEM For Girls facilitator visited my family and discussed the situation with my parents and provided counseling to my parents. The facilitator also explained how I have identified my dream of becoming a doctor and that my inner strength and abilities have become apparent to me -which proves that I can achieve my dreams and make my parents proud. They further added how I need my parents’ support as a student and a supportive learning environment. Like other girls, I can also become a doctor, engineer or scientist.

Upon hearing the facilitator speak, my parents began to cry and realised their mistake. Soon my parents bought me a new mobile phone and encouraged me to continue my online studies. Seeing my parents' behaviour change surprised me. Thanks to Quest Alliance for supporting me and making my parents understand my situation.

If my parents had not been convinced by the facilitator, my life would have gone into darkness without education.