Sat Apr 19 15:21:31 UTC 2025: ## Rajasthan Woman’s Tireless Fight Against Child Marriage Saves Dozens
**JAIPUR, Rajasthan – April 19, 2025** – Sonu Kanwar, a 28-year-old woman from a remote Rajasthan village, is single-handedly challenging the deeply entrenched tradition of child marriage in her community. A survivor of child marriage herself, Kanwar has dedicated her life to preventing others from suffering the same fate.
Married at the age of 12 and a mother of triplets at 17, Kanwar understands firsthand the devastating consequences of early marriage. Despite facing immense personal hardship, she has channeled her experiences into a powerful campaign, stopping approximately a dozen child marriages and preventing hundreds more.
Kanwar travels extensively on her motorbike, visiting schools and panchayat offices to raise awareness about the illegality of child marriage and the support available to victims. Her unwavering commitment and courage have earned her both respect and awe within her community. She actively identifies potential child marriages, reporting them to the police and securing undertakings from parents to prevent the ceremonies.
One particularly notable instance involved Kanwar’s pursuit of a marriage procession for almost 50 kilometers after spotting a young boy, no older than 10, riding the horse. Despite threats and intimidation from the wedding party, she successfully intervened, halting the child marriage.
Kanwar’s husband, Laxman Singh, a former child groom himself, is a strong supporter of her work. Together, they hope to create a society where children are educated and protected from forced marriages. Kanwar’s determined fight continues, driven by the belief that every child deserves a chance at a life free from the constraints of child marriage.
First Piper 