‘Women rise up against child marriage’ is an initiative for addressing CEFM (child, early & forced marriage) through building leadership among CLF members and capacitating them to do advocacy at system level. Many CLF members are also mothers of adolescent girls. The initiative has been implemented during 2021-22 at Nala block in Jamtara district, Jharkhand, and capacitated more than 150 women leaders.
This collaborative leadership approach has empowered women leaders (to become advocates of change in their communities, take ownership for addressing social issues (such as prevention child marriage, promotion of girls’ education, etc) and participate in state systems at block and district levels, thus eliciting a stronger response from them.
These women leaders conducted survey on existing challenges in girls’ education in 36 villages, analysed the data and presented the action plan to the Nala BLCPC (Block Level Child Protection Committee). This has resulted in gaining membership for two women leaders in Nala BLCPC meetings.
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“Umang sessions were an eyeopener. For the first time I identified myself as a victim of child marriage. Since then, there has been no looking back. I have realised the potential of my position as CLF President and the crucial role I can play in shaping the lives of adolescent girls in my cluster.”
Anju Rai, President, Nala Ajeevika Mahila Sankul Sangathan, Jamtara (and mother of two daughters aged 6 and 12)
"I have been a SAC member since 2018. However, we weren’t working vigorously against CEFM earlier. Umang sessions have improved our awareness and negotiation/communication skills, and helped us address social issues more effectively."
Mukhtamani Bibi, Social Action Committee (SAC) member, Kuldangal Sankul Sangathan, Nala, Jamtara (mother of 14-year-old daughter)
