The Strength to Say No

(Paperback)

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An inspiring true life story that will resonate amongst those who decry the oppression of women and girls in some areas of the Third World. In a remote village in Bengal, 11-year-old Rekha and her large family live by rolling handmade cigarettes. She frequently observes the abrupt departure of her friends who go to live with their mothers-in-law, where they are often treated like slaves. In spite of her youth, Rekha is aware of the harm done to these little girls. When, in their turn, her parents find a husband for her, a man she doesn't know, she flies into a blinding rage at the idea of being taken away from any further schooling for good. After that, Rekha goes from village to village to tell her story, and especially to explain the tragic consequences of early marriages. Thanks to her, several dozen children found the courage to say not to this tribal tradition. Her exemplary journey gained her the recognition of the highest courts in the land, and she went on to become a recipient of India's National Bravery Award.

Author Bio

Mouhssine Ennaimi is a reporter for "Radio France," resident in Asia as their special reporter for the past six years. She's been called a leader and an icon for sharing the story of 13-year-old Rekha Kalindi, who refused to be married off and wanted to attend school instead. She and her classmates now give lectures at community meetings urging other families to oppose child marriage. In the past wedding season, there were no child marriages in her village.