Ranchi: A timely intervention and awareness saved a tenth-grade girl, Seema (name changed), from becoming a child bride in a village in Dumka district, part of the Santhal Pargana division. The case highlights how informed action and community support can prevent the entrenched practice of child marriage.
Seema learned that her marriage had been suddenly arranged and immediately informed her friend. Her friend, aware of the harmful consequences of child marriage through programs run by the local NGO Gram Jyoti, contacted the organization without delay. These programs educate girls about child marriage, child abuse, trafficking, and legal rights, giving them the confidence to take action.
Gram Jyoti workers first verified Seema’s age through her school records. A team, including local district administration officials and NGO staff, then visited her home. They counselled her parents about the harms of child marriage and informed them of legal implications. After a lengthy discussion, Seema’s parents agreed not to marry her off before she turns 18 and provided written assurance to that effect.
Seema’s case underscores that when girls are aware of their rights and voice concerns to trustworthy authorities, harmful practices like child marriage can be curtailed. Gram Jyoti has formed adolescent clubs in the area where girls aged 10 to 16 are educated about child marriage, child abuse, and trafficking. Members of these clubs run awareness campaigns within their villages to inform other girls.
Abha, program manager at Gram Jyoti, stated that 32.2 percent of girls in Jharkhand fall victim to child marriage, with Dumka district showing an alarming 43.1 percent, compared to the national average of 23.3 percent. She added that child marriage remains widespread in tribal communities. Abha praised Seema’s courageous steps, noting that such acts of awareness and defiance are critical in the fight against this social evil.