Preventing Child Marriage through Collaborative Efforts
A 17-year-old girl, Rashmi, from Gulimusa village was being taken away by Damrudhar from another village through a customary practice known as UDULIA. A community volunteer reported the case, prompting Ekta’s team and key stakeholders—including ASHA workers, Anganwadi Workers (AWW), school teachers, and Village Level Child Protection Committee (VLCPC) members—to intervene.
The team engaged with both families, explaining the harmful effects of child marriage and the legal consequences. After discussions, the parents agreed to halt the marriage and decided that the children would stay separately until they reached the legal age. A written undertaking was signed by both families, ensuring their commitment to this decision.
As a result, the child marriage was successfully prevented. Rashmi remained at home, and both families expressed gratitude for the intervention. This case highlights the power of community awareness and collective action in safeguarding children’s rights. Ekta continues to work towards preventing child marriage and ensuring a brighter future for young girls.
