On Akshaya Tritiya, a day traditionally considered auspicious for starting new ventures, businesses, careers, engagements, and weddings, including child marriages. Caritas India’s Surokhit Shaishav Child Rights Programme, supported by BMZ, launched a fervent campaign against the scourge of child marriage across West Bengal, Assam, and Uttar Pradesh. Under the banner of ‘Surokhit Shaishav,’ the program is dedicated to ensuring the safety, education, and empowerment of children across ten districts, with a focus on abolishing child labour, marriage, and trafficking.

The campaign, spearheaded by eight partner organizations on 10th May 2024, saw widespread participation from stakeholders and community members alike. Anganwadi workers and schoolteachers joined hands to raise awareness about the detrimental effects of child marriage. Rallies, slogan writing competitions, and sensitization sessions for mothers were organized to combat the prevalence of early marriages, elopement, and teenage pregnancies.

In Uttar Pradesh, partner organizations DEHAT and Purvanchal Gramin Seva Samity engaged religious leaders and volunteers in sensitization programs to spread awareness about the adverse consequences of child marriage. The campaign in Maharajganj district witnessed collaboration with Sashatra Seema Baal (SSB), resulting in the prevention of two child marriage cases. Innovative slogans like “Don’t marry off children, else you will go to jail,” and “Give children love – give them the right to education,” resonated with the community, emphasizing the urgency of safeguarding children’s rights. Concurrently, messages such as “Stop all work – vote first,” underscored the importance of civic engagement. This collective effort yielded tangible results, preventing two child marriage cases in a nearby village during the observation day.

Similarly, in Murshidabad, West Bengal, Suprava Panchashila Mahila Uddyog Samity conducted sensitization programs with mothers’ groups and community health workers, highlighting government schemes for girl children and promoting regular school attendance. The campaign’s impact extended beyond children to their families, empowering mothers to encourage their daughters’ school attendance. Mothers became more engaged in their children’s education, showing active interest in school lessons. Additionally, the Suprava Panchashila Mahila Uddyog Samity (SPMUS) team conducted sensitization programs with Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) and health workers, raising awareness about the issue of teenage pregnancy.

The collective efforts of the partner organizations successfully raised awareness about the perils of child marriage and the importance of education. The campaigns facilitated collaborations with local communities, religious leaders, and law enforcement agencies, signaling a unified front against the practice of child marriage. Empowered Children prepared to oppose practices like child marriage, indicating a shift in societal attitudes towards such harmful practices.

While a few days of campaigning may not eradicate this deeply ingrained practice, the vigor with which the message was spread is certain to leave a lasting impact. The commitment to fighting against child abuse-related incidences, including child labor and trafficking, remains steadfast until such harmful practices are minimized in society.

The Surokhit Shaishav Child Rights Programme has taken a decisive step towards safeguarding the rights and well-being of children. By sensitizing communities and fostering partnerships, the program aims to create a future where every child can thrive in a safe and nurturing environment.