Will Continue Fight Against Child Marriage: Odisha's UN Award Winner Jhulima Mallik

Kandhamal: "United Nation's V Award has given me the strength to continue with my fight against the evil practice of child marriage," said Jhulima Mallik after returning Odisha.

Mallik, a tribal girl from K.Nuagaon block under Kandhamal district bagged the prestigious United Nation's V-Award at New Delhi on 5 December and returned to her home town in Phulbani recently.

In an exclusive interview to OTV, Mallik said she will continue her fight to create awareness as well as steps to stop the evil practice in Kandhamal district.

Mallik further stated, "We have stopped 12 child marriages so far. Child marriages are rampant in tribal areas. I was keen to know more about it and the ill-effects on children. Later, I organised programmes to create awareness by holding discussions with villagers. I also included some girls in my group and toured villages to spread the message on the importance of educating girls."

"I had to quit studies owing to financial constraints of my family and joined several voluntary organisations like Swati & Save The Children in 2017. I have resumed my studies and will appear matriculation next year. I want to pursue higher studies and continue with my mission," added Mallik

Jhulima was the only Odia girl among 10 winners in India felicitated with the award for her works in the area of child rights protection, abolition of child marriage and educational rights of children.