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.

Child Marriage Prevention

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.

Adolescent girls' collectives
Adolescent girls' collectives
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Adolescent girls' collectives
Adolescent girls' collectives

We organize collectives to inform communities about the social and legal implications of child marriage.

Awareness campaigns
Awareness campaigns
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Awareness campaigns
Awareness campaigns

Through targeted campaigns, we educate families and children on the impacts of child marriage.

Connecting to government programs
Connecting to government programs
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Connecting to government programs
Connecting to government programs

We link children to government initiatives, empowering them with educational opportunities.

Empowering families with employment opportunities
Empowering families with employment opportunities
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Empowering families with employment opportunities
Empowering families with employment opportunities

We guide families toward income options like kitchen gardening and wage programs to reduce financial pressures.

Enrolling and re-enrolling children and adolescents in schools
Enrolling and re-enrolling children and adolescents in schools
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Enrolling and re-enrolling children and adolescents in schools
Enrolling and re-enrolling children and adolescents in schools

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

13 million

married girls in India, between 10-19 years

(Census 2011)

1

out of every 3 child brides in the world lives in India

(UNICEF 2014)

16% million

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.

children-impacted-overall

211,294

Children mainstreamed into schools

Children in the Children’s Collectives

50,832

Children in the Children’s Collectives

Children provided education support (non-formal)

33,129

Children provided education support (non-formal)

Child marriages stopped

2,722

Child marriages stopped

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.

Yogita Maghnani
CRY America Volunteer

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.

Kinnery Mehta
CRY America Volunteer

“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?”

Jigar Thakkar & Sangeeta Mudnal
CRY America Donor

“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.”

Harsh & Rupal Patil
CRY America Donors

“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.”

Anita Agarwal
CRY America Donor

“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.”

Usha Rao
CRY America Donor

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