Which is the toll-free number against the child marriage
Every child in India has the right to finish school and be protected from violence, according to India’s constitution. Early and forced marriage prevents too many boys and girls from enjoying their rights, but we can eradicate this harmful practice for good if we work together.
Use this guide to report instances of child marriage in your area and take action for change.
Three easy actions you can take to end child marriage.
Ending child marriage is a difficult job, but many little things can make a big impact. We don’t need to tolerate actions that harm children and communities; rather, here are three things we can all do:
- 1. If you witness a child marriage, report it to the authorities.
- 2. Raise awareness in your friends, family, and community about the harmful effects of child marriage.
- Promise not to participate in any event that encourages child marriage.
To report a child marriage in India, follow these steps:
If you know of upcoming child marriage in your school, neighborhood or elsewhere, tell the nearest panchayat (village council), police station, local charity organization or your leaders. They have a responsibility to stop child marriages from happening.
What if I don’t want to be known?
If you need to advise or remain anonymous, you can always call the childline helpline at 1098. You’ll be connected with someone who is trained to help young people just like you. You don’t have to give them your name if you don’t want to.
Keep yourself safe.
Always be cautious of your safety. If you can help it, avoid getting involved directly in any situation to protect yourself or others from becoming harmed. It’s sometimes necessary to contact the authorities in some situations.
How can I explain child marriage to my family and friends?
There are many people around us who we can contribute to educating about child marriage, from our neighbor to our aunty to the bus driver.
Here are four powerful messages you may deliver to anybody in your community about child marriage. It’s beneficial to listen to what they have ideas, speak clearly, and remain calm if you’re attempting to persuade someone out of something.
- Early marriage shouldn’t be allowed because it interrupts a child’s schooling and subjects them to possible violence. In India, this sort of behavior is against the law.
- Child marriages have a ripple effect that hurts not just the children involved but also their families and entire communities. When girls and boys get married before they turn 18, they’re more likely to drop out of school, which limits their future job prospects and income potential and creates a cycle of poverty for their children.
- The health and safety of young children in our community are important. When a girl gets married as a child, she’s more likely to give birth too early. This puts both mother and child at greater risk during childbirth.
- Every year in India, there are fewer and fewer child marriages. Parents and community leaders are becoming more aware of the negative impacts of child marriage and the relevant laws. We can do the same in our community.
UNICEF is working to eliminate child marriage in India. How?
UNICEF collaborates with India to reduce child marriages and assist youngsters affected by them. We’re strengthening services for the healing and recovery of people who’ve experienced violence through legislation, empowering adolescents, and promoting social change.
In 2019, UNICEF and our partners assisted the following children:
- Expand Beti Bachao and Beti Padhao from 16 to 80 districts so that 5.4 million girls and 2.4 million boys can access information, gender-responsive services, and life skill programs.
- Over 33 million parents and community members can be reached with information on the harms of child Marriage Registration , parenting skills and adolescent issues.
- To develop adolescents’ participation abilities and to establish an interface for district officials with youngsters, bring together 120 youth-led organizations.
