Pulcherkhi is a large Afghan village that is primarily inhibited by Pashto peoples. It is one of the most culturally strict areas in Kabul. A member of a Self Help Group (SHG) living in this area tells the story of her family's tradition for marriage and what occurred to change a major life decision for one young Afghan lady.

Dilorom has six children: three sons and three daughters. One of the daughters has a great desire to attend school. Previously, the daughter had attended four classes in Nejrab province but because of war the family moved and resettled in the Pulcherkhi area where she was able to continue going to the school.

This daughter is the first female to attend school in her family. Girls attending school is quite uncommon in this area and her parents are people who believe it is not important for girls to get an education. In fact, they tend to think that it is a shame for families to send girls to school.

One day the daughter's uncle came to her family's house and requested her to marry his son, her cousin. The daughter's father and the rest of family became very happy and agreed to give the daughter in marriage. However the daughter argued with the family and cried, "I am going to school. I am interested in continuing my education". Her father was upset, punishing his daughter and beating her for disagreeing with his and the family's decision.

In many places in Afghanistan, it is common practice in families to sell a daughter and to accept money for the new bride. Child marriage is also considered important to many families and brings honor to the family.

What instigated a change of decision? The daughter's mother is part of a local SHG. One day Operation Mercy's field trainer presented a lesson about human rights. She happened to organize a role play, where she was a mother who forced her daughter to marry. This 'daughter' was 14 years old when she married and later became pregnant but, during the delivery of the baby, she and the baby died. After the role play, all SHG's members discussed the role play and expressed the difficulties faced by young brides and the danger of early pregnancies.

The daughter's mother felt very grieved because she and her family planned to give her daughter to the uncle's son in marriage the next week. This role play had spoken to her heart profoundly.

It is a rule in the Self Help Group to share everything learned. This mother went home and discussed everything with her family, resulting in the entire family responding with sadness after hearing about the role play. After much discussion they decided not to give their young daughter in marriage and they have allowed her to continue going school.

This young Afghan girl's future changed that day. Operation Mercy Self Help Groups are empowering women and families to make informed decisions to improve individual, family and community lives. Over 500 Self Help Groups are currently active in Afghanistan.