From Child Marriage Survivor to Global Youth Speaker
A young social worker from Bihar's Seemanchal region is set to carry the voice of Indian women to an international youth platform. Roshni Parveen will participate in the One Young conference in Cape Town, South Africa, from November 3 to 6.
The event will host young people from more than 190 nations. Roshni intends to address child marriage, harassment of women and the broader question of women's rights before participants from across the world.
This is not her first international assignment. In 2023, she represented India at a youth conference in Geneva. The new invitation has brought happiness to her family and the people of her area.
A story of personal struggle
Roshni belongs to Simalbari village in Teusa panchayat of Kishanganj district. Her father, Haider Ali, runs a modest grocery shop in the village. Her family's financial position has been ordinary, but her hard work and resolve have shaped a distinct identity for her.
Roshni has herself experienced child marriage. The experience pushed her to dedicate her life to fighting child marriage and other social problems that affect women. She has faced social traditions, opposition and criticism along the way, yet she has refused to abandon her mission.
Working on the ground for a decade
For about ten years, Roshni has been a active figure in social work. She has campaigned to stop child marriage, handled cases of violence against women and pushed for women's rights. At present, she is centre administrator at the One Stop Centre of the Women Helpline in Kishanganj.
Her work has helped protect hundreds of girls from child marriage. She also supports vulnerable women in accessing government welfare schemes and takes steps to help them become self-reliant.
Why the Cape Town platform matters
Roshni Parveen has described the chance to represent India and Bihar among youth from more than 190 countries as a matter of pride. She believes the forum will allow her to present child marriage, violence against women and related concerns at the global level. She also plans to exchange experiences and perspectives with young people from other countries.
Local leaders and well-wishers respond
Dr. Aamir Minhaj, Mohammad Noman Alam and several others have congratulated her. They say she did not compromise on her objectives despite social challenges and criticism. Her efforts, they add, will inspire other young women in the region to pursue their goals.
Roshni Parveen's journey from a small village to Geneva and now Cape Town shows that limited resources can be overcome with strong intent and sustained effort.