Child marriage remains a serious challenge in Bangladesh, with 51% of girls married before 18 (UNICEF, 2022). Poverty, harmful social norms, limited education, and climate-related vulnerabilities intensify the crisis in Kurigram.
In response, ActionAid Bangladesh implemented a 12-month initiative aligned with its Country Strategy to advance women’s rights and gender equality. The project targeted adolescent girls, school dropouts, families, and community leaders to address root causes and strengthen local protection systems.
Key interventions included psychosocial, educational, and legal support for girls; scholarships for 40 at-risk students; and income-generating assistance for 30 vulnerable families (BDT 15,000 each). A total of 191 girls and women received skills training in sewing, eco-friendly packet making, cattle rearing, and poultry farming to promote financial independence and reduce economic pressures linked to early marriage.
Community engagement was central. Three Child Marriage Prevention Committees were formed, alongside four Adolescent Clubs that have already helped prevent 18 child marriages. Fifty community sessions reached over 1,500 participants, while broader awareness activities engaged 2,400 adolescent girls. Two community-based women’s centers were established as safe spaces for learning and support. Advocacy dialogues mobilized religious leaders, teachers, marriage registrars, law enforcement, and local officials to strengthen enforcement of the Child Marriage Prevention Act.
By working closely and continuously with families, community leaders, and partners, the project tackles the root causes of child marriage while creating meaningful opportunities for girls. It has increased awareness, reinforced community accountability, and boosted girls’ confidence and leadership skills. Collectively, these efforts are empowering girls in Kurigram to imagine a safer, more equitable future; one where their voices are heard, respected, and their full potential realized.
Project Key Outputs
Community Action
- 3 Child Marriage Prevention Committees established with 20 members each to intervene in early marriage cases. During the project period, 18 child marriages were successfully prevented.
- 50 community engagement sessions reached 1,500 participants, raising awareness on child marriage and girls’ rights.
- 4 awareness dialogues engaged 300 stakeholders, promoting girls’ education and challenging harmful social norms.
- Several government and NGO meetings strengthened stakeholder engagement, promoting IGAs, scholarships, and law enforcement.
- Advocacy and exit meetings reaffirmed community commitment, highlighting boys’ and men’s role and the need for livelihood support.
- Family engagement session with 97 girls and 27 parents enhanced dialogue on girls’ protection and legal age of marriage.
Skill Development & Training
- Sewing Training: 15-day program for 100 girls and women to develop income-generating skills and promote self-reliance.
- Paper Packet & Carton Training: 5-day training for 60 participants to promote eco-friendly entrepreneurship and financial empowerment.
- Cattle Farming Training: 2-day training for 30 girls to develop entrepreneurial skills and support financial independence.
- Poultry Farming Training: 2-day program for 31 girls, providing 2 chickens each to foster entrepreneurship and reduce child marriage risks.
- Block Batik Training: 12-day sessions for 20 girls in three unions to learn traditional art, generate income, and prevent school dropouts.
Income Generating Activities (IGA) Support
- 30 vulnerable families received BDT 15,000 each to reduce school dropouts and prevent early marriage.
Education & Scholarships
- 40 girls at risk of child marriage received BDT 3,000 each in scholarships to continue education.
Adolescent Empowerment
- 4 Adolescent Clubs formed with 30 girls each, providing safe spaces and leadership opportunities.
- 4 workshops for 120 club members strengthened leadership, legal awareness, and advocacy skills; 18 child marriages were prevented with the support of the Child Marriage Prevention Committees.
- 54 awareness sessions reached 2,544 adolescent girls, promoting knowledge of rights and education.
Community-Based Women’s Centers
- 2 centers established, providing safe spaces, training, and peer support for girls and young women.
Community Celebrations & Awareness
- International Girl Child Day football tournament engaged 500 participants to promote girls’ empowerment.
- Cycle rally with 70 girls as part of 16 Days of Activism 2024 raised awareness on gender equality.
Outcome: The project empowered girls, increased community awareness, strengthened local systems, and fostered sustainable actions to prevent child marriage in Kurigram.