The 11-Year-Old Advocate Against Child Marriage: Sur’s Story
*Note: not an actual picture of Sur
Sur is an 11-year-old girl who lives in a remote Indonesian village. Like many girls her age, she faces a stark crisis: child marriage. Her mother wedded at 16 and one of her best friends got married at 15.
In an environment where child marriage is the norm, Sur finds herself vulnerable to a similar fate. The thought of her becoming a child bride, ill-prepared for motherhood, paints a distressing picture—a clear violation of child rights.
At Mission: Hope, we're committed to fostering communities where young girls like Sur can assert their rights, feel secure, and pursue their dreams for the future. Breaking free from the cultural grip of child marriage is paramount for Sur's positive growth trajectory. When our team encountered Sur, we invited her to join our campaign against child marriage.
She embraced our initiatives wholeheartedly. Not only did Sur actively participate in the campaign, but she also enrolled in basic computer and English classes. Additionally, she became a vital member of the children's assembly established by Mission: Hope and local leaders to safeguard children's rights long-term.
“I’ve realized that early marriage could jeopardize my future and impede my education.”
“I've realized that early marriage could jeopardize my future and impede my education,” she said. “I'm committed to fighting against it by pursuing tertiary education.” Her resolve was further strengthened after attending the campaign and youth creation camp. Sur pledged to advocate against child marriage and promote positive youth development.
Sur's parents stand firmly behind her endeavors, actively engaging in family development sessions where children's rights take center stage. Through Mission: Hope's programs, Sur reclaimed her rights as a child. Now, she's resolute in breaking free from the cycle of child marriage, aiming to pursue tertiary education and equip herself with essential skills for the future.
She hopes the children's assembly will be a sustainable support system for every youth in her village, fostering education and skill development. Sur's journey exemplifies the transformative impact of empowering children and protecting their rights, paving the way for a brighter, more hopeful future in her community.
Help us continue to equip more indigenous leaders like Sur to be agents of positive change in their communities by joining Compass, our community of monthly givers dedicated to helping us bring holistic, life-changing impact to families in remote villages across the globe.