Ending child marriage and empowering girls
In many rural areas of Maharashtra, the birth of a daughter is considered bad luck. She is viewed as an economic burden, leading to early marriages to alleviate financial strain on the family. Child marriage disproportionately affects girls, limiting their education, personal growth, and exposing them to health risks associated with early childbirth. Additionally, they are at higher risk of domestic violence and face inequality at home due to their young age and lack of negotiating skills.
At Yuva Gram, we work to combat the effects of child marriage through our Meri Khushi project. Our approach focuses on both prevention and empowerment:
Firstly, we aim to prevent child marriages by raising awareness among girls, families, and community stakeholders about the harmful impacts. We establish local volunteer groups and networks to advocate for the enforcement of relevant laws and provide support for girls at risk.
Secondly, we empower girls who have been married early to lead fulfilling lives. We educate them about their legal rights, support their education, and help them delay moving to their in-laws’ houses. Through our programs, we strive to ensure that these girls can live happily, confidently, and healthily as adolescents.
Fighting Child Marriage: Our Impact in Maharashtra
CHILDLINE 1098, operated by Yuva Gram Vikas Mandal since 2012, serves as a 24/7 toll-free emergency helpline for children aged 0-18 years. Our service extends across Beed district, working tirelessly to protect children’s rights and prevent child marriages.
Recent Achievements
– Successfully prevented 236 child marriages in 2023-24, marking our highest impact year
– Received 140 complaints since August 2022, with 91 specifically related to child marriage
– Expanded awareness campaign to 125 schools, significantly increasing reporting rates
– Mobilized 450 religious leaders to pledge against child marriage
Major Campaign Initiatives
- Akshaya Tritiya Campaign (April-May 2023)
Conducted intensive prevention activities across Beed, Solapur, and Dharashiv districts, engaging religious and community leaders. - June Action Month
Collaborated with multiple government departments to achieve:
– Prevention of 189 child marriages
– Securing 4 injunction orders
– Registration of 9 FIRs - Child Marriage Free India Campaign (October 2023)
– Coverage: 450 villages across three districts
– Reach: 2 lakh people
– Partners: Child Help Line, Women and Child Development Department, Police, Schools, and Colleges - Growing Impact Over Years
1. Child Marriages Prevented:
– 2019-20: 58 cases
– 2020-21: 41 cases
– 2021-22: 84 cases
– 2022-23: 132 cases
– 2023-24: 236 cases
2. Community Engagement
Our school awareness programs have created a robust reporting system, with adolescent girls actively participating in prevention efforts. The CHILDLINE 1098 number has become a trusted resource, prominently displayed in schools and saved by students for immediate reporting.
Supported by:
