Monica Jod, now 35, works with the Jodhpur-based Sambhali Trust to support girls and women confronting domestic violence and curtailed autonomy. The organization targets the traditional "atta-satta" exchange system, which the Rajasthan High Court designated as mutual hostage-taking in a 2026 ruling. Through targeted legal, medical, and shelter initiatives, the group has successfully addressed nearly two hundred cases linked to this custom across multiple districts.
Key points
Academic recognition through the Gargi Puraskar convinced Jod's mother to abandon forced…: Academic recognition through the Gargi Puraskar convinced Jod's mother to abandon forced marriage plans and allow her daughter to complete her education.
The atta-satta custom functions as a reciprocal family exchange of daughters that severel…: The atta-satta custom functions as a reciprocal family exchange of daughters that severely restricts women's personal autonomy and safety.
The trust helps domestic violence survivors gain financial independence while navigating…: The trust helps domestic violence survivors gain financial independence while navigating legal protections and free legal counsel under the Domestic Violence Act of 2005.
Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1
14 is an age when kids are still learning about life, studies and exploring new games. Clearly it’s not the age to ‘get married’ and settle! Meet Monica Jod from Rajasthan, the woman who was already fighting for something that should never have been a privilege, the right to study. Growing up, she faced pressure to get married early and leave her education. Now almost 20 years later, at 35, the same girl is helping other women fight for their future and restrict similar restrictions. It also includes those trapped in Rajasthan's atta-satta marriage system.
Who is Monica JodMonica as a teenager struggled to secure her own independence, but today she works with Sambhali Trust, a Jodhpur-based organisation supporting women and girls facing violence and discrimination. In the last 19 years, the organisation has taken up 188 cases involving atta-satta marriages. Now they are helping these women rebuild their lives.
A girl who refused to give up on educationThe girl who refused to give up (PC: Sambhali Trust)
Monica grew up listening, “Ladka ghar ka chirag hota hai” and her…
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