Schoolgirls Go Door to Door to End Child Marriage

A group of girls from class VIII to X in the remote area of Char Sindurna on the Teesta in Hatibandha upazila, called Teesta Shishu Dal have been going from door to door to make young children and their guardians aware of the consequences of child marriage. Their efforts resulted in a positive outcome as rates of child marriage have significantly reduced in the area. This platform is part of Integrated Community Development Project II of Eco Social Development (ESDO) funded by Plan International Bangladesh.

Maria Akhter, 14, said, “We will continue our activities until we achieve complete elimination of child marriage here.” Beauty Akhter, a student from class VIII said, “Our parents are not interested in sending us to school but we are determined and we hope our parents will not suppress us.” These students receive help from Jasmine Khatun, 26, a community facilitator, who briefs the students on how to conduct the campaign and accompanies them whenever needed.