This Story Is About “Priankha Halder”: From Fighting Child Marriage to Becoming A Youth Leader

In a world where gender roles often limit the potential of women, Priankha Halder stands as a powerful symbol of resilience and transformation. Hailing from Bamanpara village in Meherpur District, one of Bangladesh’s most climate-vulnerable areas, Priankha’s journey from a child marriage activist to the country’s first female firefighter is both inspiring and groundbreaking.

Growing up in a patriarchal society, Priankha witnessed her classmates being forced into child marriages, a practice that derailed their education and future. Deeply disturbed by this social injustice, she began her fight against child marriage as a fifth grader. With the support of her father, Priankha often risked her safety to intervene and stop these unions. Her courage led her to prevent over 115 child marriages in Meherpur and nearby regions.

In 2016, Priankha’s efforts were recognised when she was named a Gold-Kishori by Channel I, a title that gave her a platform to amplify her mission. She established the Kishore Kishori Suraksha Club, which empowered young people to take a stand against harmful practices like child marriage, child labor, and abuse.

While her activism was rooted in ensuring sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) for girls, Priankha’s journey took a new turn in 2023. After coming across an advertisement, she applied to the Fire Service and Civil Defence, a field dominated by men. Despite rigorous challenges, Priankha completed the demanding training, becoming a trailblazer as one of the country’s first female firefighters.

Her decision to join the fire service is a continuation of her commitment to saving lives. As Priankha says, “Here we can save people’s lives. When families have their loved ones trapped in a fire, we step in to rescue them.”

Priankha’s story highlights the intersection of SRHR issues with broader societal challenges. Child marriage is not only a violation of reproductive rights but also a barrier to education, health, and economic empowerment for young girls. Bangladesh, where nearly 51% of women aged 20–24 were married before the age of 18 (UNICEF, 2021), remains one of the countries with the highest prevalence of child marriage. Activists like Priankha demonstrate how grassroots efforts can lead to transformative change.

Her journey also underscores the importance of youth empowerment in tackling systemic inequalities. By challenging traditional gender roles and entering a male-dominated profession, Priankha has become a role model for countless young women. She has shown that breaking barriers isn’t just about personal achievement—it’s about paving the way for others.

Priankha Halder is more than just an individual success story; she represents a movement toward gender equity and justice. Her work reminds us that empowering young people, particularly girls, is critical to achieving sustainable development goals related to gender equality, education, and SRHR.

As she continues her journey, Priankha’s story remains a call to action—for communities, policymakers, and individuals—to invest in the potential of youth and fight for a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Source: The Business Standard and Green the Environment
Source Courtesy and Picture Credit: Soumendra Debnath, Director Of Partnership Development & Resource Management, Green The Environment, Bangladesh