Before she was born, Suvartha’s* father was already an alcoholic. He spent all of his family’s income on alcohol during the day, and then would come home and physically abuse his wife and daughters.

Without her husband’s support, Suvartha’s mother had to work very hard to feed her family. Eventually, she gave birth to a son, who was treated like a prince while his sisters continued to be abused and neglected.

Suvartha’s father passed away when she was 13 and her mother began to rely on relatives for financial support. The relatives insisted that Suvartha be given in marriage to their son. Her mother, feeling helpless, agreed. Suvartha was forced to stop attending school, and her teachers noticed her absence and intervened. Her teachers and our social workers spoke with her mother and persuaded her to cancel the wedding.

Suvartha has evaded this marriage, but her battle isn’t over. She still has to fight against cultural norms that would push her down. But with education and belief in her own value, Suvartha has the tools to live an amazing life where she can choose her own future. When you donate to KRF, you’re helping change stories like Suvartha’s!