Anamika’s dreams spread their wings
By Rina Akter, from Singair, Manikganj
Child marriage remains a grave social problem in Bangladesh. According to UNICEF, nearly 59% of girls here are married before the age of 18, and 22% before they even turn 15. The time meant for learning, laughter, and growth is often stolen from them, replaced by the burdens of domestic life, crushing their dreams too soon.
Yet, some girls manage to break these chains and move forward. Anamika, from Angaria village in Singair upazila, is one such courageous teenager.
She comes from a modest middle-class family. Her father is a carpenter, her mother a homemaker, and her younger brother is in fourth grade. Despite their limited means, Anamika dreamed of becoming a teacher. She was also an active member of the ‘Ankur Kishori Club,’ formed with the support of BARCIK. In the club, adolescent girls learned about issues like child marriage, sexual harassment, and adolescent health which empowers them with knowledge and awareness.
Life was going well for Anamika until crisis struck. While she was in ninth grade, her family arranged her marriage against her wishes. “Such a good match shouldn’t be lost”, they argued. She was told, “What use is education for a poor girl?” Her dreams seemed to shatter overnight.

Anamika was devastated but refused to give up. She tried to convince her family but failed. That was when she turned to her club friends for help. Together they discussed and decided: this marriage had to be stopped. With the support of the Kishori Club, Anamika once again spoke to her family, pleaded, and reasoned. Finally, after many difficult conversations, her family agreed to call off the marriage.
Today, Anamika is back on track. She passed her SSC exams with good results. She now studies in college in intermediate twelve class at Singair Government College and is also learning freelancing skills. She is inching closer to her dream of becoming a teacher.
Anamika did not just stop her own marriage she also has become a living example for other girls in Angaria village. She says, “I want to be a teacher and help to shape lives. I want to continue the fight against child marriage. I want every boy and girl to grow up freely and fully.”
Indeed, Anamika’s dreams have begun to spread their wings once again.