Preventing Child Marriage in India
Of government legislation, child marriage continues to be one of the most prevalent forms of exploitation and abuse faced by children. Being a Non Profit working against child marriage, CRY has been working towards building a secure and protective environment for children to safeguard their well-being and rights.
Ending Child Marriage to Empower Young lives
Child marriage denies children the right to a safe and empowering childhood, limiting them of the chance to grow, learn, and reach their full potential. Despite government legislation, child marriage remains a pervasive issue across the globe. CRY America’s projects focused on child marriage are committed to ending this practice by addressing its root causes. Together with supporters like you, we work to create safe spaces and opportunities for children and adolescents, ensuring they grow up empowered, educated, and ready to chase their dreams.
Our Action to End Child Marriage
Families with low incomes are often forced to consider child marriage as a means to alleviate financial strain, while societal traditions view early marriage as a way to secure a girl’s future. Limited access to education and gender-biased parenting further reinforce this mindset, as uneducated girls are frequently seen as financial burdens. CRY America’s projects addressing early marriages are dedicated to tackling the deep-rooted causes of child marriage.
We organize collectives to inform communities about the social and legal implications of child marriage.
Through targeted campaigns, we educate families and children on the impacts of child marriage.
We link children to government initiatives, empowering them with educational opportunities.
We guide families toward income options like kitchen gardening and wage programs to reduce financial pressures.
We counsel families and potential child brides to enroll and re-enroll dropouts in school. We also collaborate with school communities, and organize support classes to help children succeed in mainstream schools.
Child Marriage Statistics In India
Statistics on Child Marriage in India
married girls in India, between 10-19 years
(Census 2011)
out of every 3 child brides in the world lives in India
(UNICEF 2014)
of adolescent girls aged 15-19 are currently married
Transforming Lives Through Our Work
Child marriage in India is a serious issue, but we’re making a difference. While we’ve made progress, there’s still a long way to go. At CRY America, we’re tackling the root causes including the cultural norms, poverty, and lack of education that keep this harmful practice alive. Here’s the difference we could bring in the community with your valuable support.
211,294
Children mainstreamed into schools
Children in the Children’s Collectives
Children provided education support (non-formal)
Child marriages stopped
How you can Continue Making a Difference
Your generous contribution to CRY America helps children access education, pursue their dreams, receive proper nutrition, and stay safe from child labor and early marriage. Without your support, we cannot continue to meet the needs of underprivileged children. Together, we can shape a brighter future, ensuring every child enjoys a happier, healthier childhood.
Re-enroll Girls Who
Have Dropped Out
Support out-of-school children by helping them re-enroll.
Stories of Hope
While working on the Kalapandhari Magas Vargiya and Adivasi Gramin Vikash Sanstha (KMAGVS) project in Maharashtra, CRY America met Ayesha*, a young girl who had to drop out of school in 9th grade and face early marriage due to her family’s financial struggles.
As a member of KMAGVS’s children’s collective, she was encouraged by the team to take part in community radio broadcasts on Akashvani, an initiative led by the project team. With growing confidence and support, Ayesha began advocating for girls’ education, openly sharing her thoughts with her community. The team also worked closely with her parents, counseling them on the importance of education. Over time, they were persuaded to call off her early marriage and re-enroll her in school.
Empowered and determined, the 16-year-old went on to achieve remarkable success, securing the top rank in her school in the 10th board exams.
*Name changed and AI image used to protect child’s identity
Testimonials fromBeneficiaries, Educators, And Parents
Yogita Manghnani, Seattle Volunteer: Child marriage takes away a girl’s right to a happy childhood. It forces her to give up her education & family to take on the role of a wife at a very young age. The girl child may not be ready to handle pregnancies, leading to complications for both the mom and baby. She deserves to enjoy her childhood, play and go to school just like a male child; contribute to the family and society at her own terms; choose to marry when she is physically and emotionally ready to build her own family.
I got the inspiration to join CRY from my Dad. His deeds inspired me to give back to the society which led me to volunteer with CRY America, that has made a great impact by providing the basic needs to underprivileged children. I am privileged to be associated with CRY and to help raise funds for its noble cause gives me a great sense of achievement. It is the smiles on the faces of these children that keeps me going and inspires me to continue serving them through CRY.
“Children should have a busy life – playing with friends, eating healthy food, studying, growing themselves creatively and intellectually and showered with love. Instead, when children are asked to earn a living for themselves and their families, they’re robbed of their basic human rights. We feel that for the cost of a birthday party a year, you could change the future of a child. Then why not?”
“CRY is a one of a kind NGO that embraces a holistic approach providing health, education, and nutrition to ensure a safer and better future for children in India. We are touched by the breadth and level of commitment of its volunteers, donors and partners. It is an honor to serve with CRY in our own little way.”
“Educating a child has a profound ripple effect. Not only will it improve a child’s life but that of its family, community and country leading to the overall enrichment of mankind.”
“What makes CRY America special is the drive and the genuineness of the volunteer team, year after year. By adopting projects themselves, some of these volunteers have put their money where their mouth is. Thank you CRY America for making giving so easy and impactful.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the consequences of child marriage?
Child marriage disrupts education, limiting girls from achieving financial independence and personal growth. Health risks are also significant, as early pregnancies often lead to higher maternal and infant mortality rates. It leads to poverty limiting the access to education and economic opportunities, thus trapping generations in a cycle of poverty.
How CRY America is helping in preventing child marriage?
CRY America’s projects form adolescent girls’ collectives to raise awareness about the social and legal consequences of early marriage. Our targeted awareness campaigns educate families and children on its impacts. We connect children to government programs, providing educational opportunities and empower families by guiding them toward income-generating options like kitchen gardening and wage programs. CRY America’s projects also support families in enrolling or re-enrolling children in school and provides extra support to help them succeed in mainstream education, breaking the cycle of child marriage.
How does child marriage affect girls’ education?
Child marriage limits girl’s opportunities to continue learning, and eliminate their chances for financial independence. Without education, girls face a lifetime of limited economic opportunities and are more likely to remain in poverty. It also leads to early pregnancies, further hindering their ability to pursue education.
How can communities help prevent child marriage?
Communities are key players at the grassroots level in preventing child marriage. They can educate families on the importance of education for girls and promote gender equality. Communities can also support girls through adolescent collectives and encourage their enrollment and re-enrollment in schools. Additionally, they can collaborate with local leaders, schools, and organizations like CRY America to create safe spaces and economic opportunities, reducing the financial pressures that often lead to child marriage. Collective efforts can create lasting change, ensuring every child has the opportunity to grow and learn before they earn.
Awards & Recognitions
Top 100 Nonprofits In The World – Recognized By The Elders (Founded by Nelson Mandela)
Recognized With The GuideStar Platinum Seal of Transparency
India Philanthropy Alliance
New York State Assembly- Honoring Child Rights and You America.
