Rajeshwari is a 17-year-old pursuing her pre-university education in Huvina Hadagali Taluk, Karnataka. Rajeshwari lives in a remote village called Kanthebenur and she shared that she and her friends found it difficult to travel to school and college. Due to local culture and social system, once a girl matures, she is forced to drop out of school and then forced into an early marriage. Rajeshwari was a very reserved person with very little self-esteem and would refuse to speak. She always depended on her grandmother for support, would not go out alone. Her grandmother became her spokesperson. Her grandmother is an active member of the Kalpavruksha Mahila Maha Sangha Federation and she made Rajeshwari attend the kishoris programme that was organised by Best Practices Foundation.
Rajeshwari has now undergone a transformation and is determined to complete her education despite all the difficulties in her family. She raised her voice and spoke to her family and eventually, got support from her grandmother and parents, who agreed to let her continue her education. She said “Because I participated in the IGD programme, I was able to talk with my parents and get the best of the situation and act quickly.” She now converses freely, goes where she wants to and is able to take decisions for herself. Rajeswari said, “I learnt one thing and that is whatever problem we have, we need to talk so that we get solutions.” Rajeshwari now is determined to complete her degree and wants to get a good job.