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Protect Our Girls

CHILD MARRIAGE

THE STOLEN CHILDHOOD

When a child is married, a door is shut forever—on education, on health, and on freedom. Child Marriage is not a tradition; it is a violation of human rights that traps generations in poverty.

It forces children to raise children. In India, despite progress, thousands of girls are still traded into matrimony before they turn 18. We must replace the wedding knot with a school bag.

STOP THE VOWS →KNOW THE LAW

Part 2: The Crisis

The Cost of Early Unions

Based on NFHS-5 & UNICEF Data

23.3%

Prevalence

Women aged 20-24 married before 18

50%

Higher Risk

Of Stillbirth/Infant Mortality

1.5M

Girls Annually

Married as Children in India

Global Rank

India has highest absolute numbers

The Circle of Poverty

Child marriage is both a cause and a consequence of poverty. Parents marry off daughters to reduce the "economic burden" of feeding them. Once married, the girl drops out of school, losing her chance to earn a skilled wage, and the cycle of poverty continues for her children.

Health Catastrophe

Teenage Pregnancy: Bodies not fully developed are forced to carry children, leading to complications like Fistula and maternal death.
Domestic Violence: Child brides are twice as likely to face physical and sexual violence from partners.
Mental Trauma: The isolation and sudden responsibility lead to high rates of depression and suicide.

STATUS: CRITICAL

Life Impact Assessment

Education CompletionNear Zero

School dropout is the first step of marriage.

Economic IndependenceDependency

Total financial reliance on husband/in-laws.

Reproductive AgencyDenied

No power to decide when to have children.

"She played with dolls yesterday. Today, she is expected to be a mother to one."

Part 3: The Law

Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (PCMA) 2006

The shield against early matrimony.

Section 9, 10, 11

Punishment

Any adult male (over 18) who marries a child, or anyone who performs/conducts the marriage (pandit/qazi/parents) faces up to 2 years Rigorous Imprisonment + ₹1 Lakh Fine.

Non-Bailable Offence

Section 3 (Annulment)

Right to Cancel

A child marriage is "Voidable." The victim can file a petition to annul the marriage within 2 years of attaining adulthood (i.e., before turning 20 for girls, 23 for boys).

Legal Exit

Legal Nuances

Void vs Voidable

Usually voidable (valid until cancelled). However, if the marriage involves trafficking, kidnapping, or force, it is Void Ab Initio (invalid from the start).

POCSO Act Linkage

Sexual intercourse with a wife under 18 is considered rape under the POCSO Act and IPC 375 (Exception 2 diluted by courts), regardless of marriage.

Injunction (Stay Order)

The District Magistrate can issue an injunction to stop a planned child marriage. Violating this order is a serious crime.

Part 4: The Barriers

Why Does It Persist?

Dowry Economics

Parents believe that younger brides require less dowry. Delaying marriage is seen as increasing the "cost."

"Safety" Myth

In unsafe areas, parents marry off daughters early believing it protects their "honor" and safety from sexual violence.

Lack of Schools

When secondary schools are far away or unsafe to travel to, parents withdraw girls and marry them off.

Social Pressure

Relatives and neighbors pressure parents, citing that an unmarried girl is a "burden" or social anomaly.

Weak Reporting

Marriages happen in secret or mass ceremonies (Akshaya Tritiya). Locals rarely report to police due to community ties.

YOUR ROLE

Call 1098 (Childline) if you see a wedding involving a child. Your anonymous call can save a life.

Part 5: The Response

BRAC FUTURE PROTOCOL

Empowering girls to write their own destiny.

1. Education Retention

Keeping girls in school.

• Scholarships: Providing fees and supplies to prevent dropout.

• Transport: Cycles for girls to travel safely to high schools.

2. Community Watch

Local vigilance.

• Adolescent Groups: Clubs where girls track peers who stop attending school.

• CMPO Liaison: Working with Child Marriage Prohibition Officers.

3. Skill Development

Economic value.

• Vocational Training: Teaching coding, tailoring, or mechanics.

• Income Gen: Proving to parents that daughters are assets, not burdens.

4. Legal Intervention

Rescue and annulment.

• Rescue Ops: Collaborating with police to stop weddings mid-way.

• Annulment Aid: Filing court petitions for girls who want out.

5. Men & Boys Engagement

Changing the mindset.

• Workshops: Educating fathers and brothers on the risks of early marriage.

• Pledge: Boys taking vows not to marry children.

ACTIVATE FUTURE

Select your Impact Level.
Donations support verified beneficiaries and the systems that help ensure assistance is delivered safely, transparently, and effectively.

IMPACT LEVEL 1

₹1,500

Provides a bicycle for a rural girl to attend High School safely.

RECOMMENDED

IMPACT LEVEL 2

₹5,000

Funds legal fees for the annulment of one child marriage.

IMPACT LEVEL 3

₹20,000

Sponsors vocational training (Coding/Tailoring) for a rescued child bride.

Tax Deductible under Section 80G.

Transparency: Ensured through donation receipts and periodic disclosures.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the legal age for marriage?

Currently, it is 18 for girls and 21 for boys. A bill to raise the age for girls to 21 is under consideration, but 18 remains the current legal threshold.

Is a child marriage valid?

It is voidable. This means it is valid until the "child" files a petition to annul it. They can do this up to 2 years after becoming an adult.

How do I report a child marriage?

Call 1098 (Childline) or 100 (Police). You can also report to the District Magistrate or the Child Marriage Prohibition Officer. Your identity will be kept confidential.

Is my donation tax deductible?

Yes. BRAC is registered under Section 80G. You will receive a tax exemption certificate via email within 7 days.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Laws may vary by location. BRAC is not responsible for errors, omissions, or consequences arising from its use. BRAC® is a registered trademark. Unauthorized commercial use is prohibited. For corrections or permissions, email info@brac.in