Helping to end child marriage in Bangladesh

Plan helped to bring to an end the practice of child marriage across Bangladesh through its successful birth registration campaign. Plan achieved 100 per cent birth registration in one rural district of Bangladesh and was set to achieve 100 per cent registration in another, turning these areas into child marriage free zones.

The legal age for marriage in Bangladesh is 18 for girls, and 21 for boys. However, according to research, about half of all girls were married by the age of 15. However, since more girls had birth certificates, they could prove that they were too young to marry, helping them to stay in education.

Bilkis, 16, from a slum in Dhaka City, knew well the impact early marriage could have on a girl’s future in Bangladesh. She wanted to become a teacher in her community. To achieve this she needed to complete her education. But when she came home from school one day, her parents informed her that her marriage had already been arranged.

“Life is very difficult, for the unprivileged adolescent girls in my community,” said Bilkis. “We have to struggle for everything, yet most of the adolescent girls miss out on getting education, medical care and nutrition.”

However, through a group facilitated by Plan, Bilkis became empowered and persuaded her family to put off the marriage until she finished her education.

“Now, I am powerful in terms of voicing my ideas, issues and concerns. Now if there are any proposals of marriage, my family dismisses them. Plan has helped my family change their perspective.”

Delaying her marriage helped Bilkis to start realising her dreams. “I am teaching 16 poor kids whose parents are not able to spend on their education,” she said.
Plan has been working with the Bangladeshi government and UNICEF towards 100 per cent birth registration across the country.