Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat Campaign
Empowering Girls, Ending Gender-Based Violence
Jyoti Tiwari
"Every 10 Minutes, a Woman is Killed. # NoExcuse." This powerful theme encapsulated the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, which began on November 25, 2024, marking the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and continued worldwide until December 10, Human Rights Day. Across the globe, nations united in their efforts to raise awareness and drive change. In the Philippines, the scope of activism was broadened to address the interconnected issues of gender-based violence and human trafficking, emphasising the need for comprehensive efforts to protect vulnerable individuals. Meanwhile, in Australia, campaigns were launched to inspire societal transformation, with a focus on ending domestic violence and empowering women to break free from cycles of abuse. In India, the Ministry of Women and Child Development took a significant step by launching the Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat campaign, focused on eradicating child marriage, a practice that restricts the potential of young girls and perpetuates cycles of violence and inequality. This initiative aimed not only to raise awareness but also to mobilise citizens in a collective effort to safeguard women's rights and empower them to lead lives free from fear and discrimination.
The Link between Child Marriage and Gender-Based Violence
Child marriage is a critical issue that intersects with various forms of violence against women and girls. It is not merely a cultural or social anomaly but a manifestation of systemic gender inequality and a violation of human rights.
According to Girls Not Brides - a global partnership of organisations dedicated to ending child marriage and enabling girls to fulfill their potential - approximately 1 of 3 women experience physical and/or sexual violence in their lifetime, with child marriage significantly increasing this risk. Girls married before the age of 15 are nearly 50% more likely to face intimate partner violence compared to those who marry later.
The Cycle of Violence: Child marriage creates a cycle of violence that affects girls throughout their lives. Many families believe that marrying their daughters young will protect them from sexual assault; however, this belief is often misguided. In reality, child marriage increases vulnerability to various forms of violence, including sexual, physical, and psychological abuse.
Research indicates that girls who marry early are more likely to experience violence from their partners or their partners' families. The International Council of Research on Women states that women with low levels of education and those married between the ages of 15-19 are at a higher risk of domestic violence than older, more educated women. This dynamics is exacerbated when there is a significant age difference between the bride and groom, further entrenching power imbalances in the relationship.
Moreover, early marriage can result in forced intimacy, which not only increases the risk of infections but also has lasting effects on mental health. A study highlighted by Girls Not Brides found that many child brides describe their first experiences of intimacy as coerced, leading to long-term psychological trauma.
Societal Implications: Child marriage perpetuates societal norms that normalise violence against women. It reinforces the belief that girls are inferior and should be submissive to their husbands. This normalisation makes it easier for acts of violence against girls to be justified within communities. As such, addressing child marriage is essential for any meaningful effort to combat gender-based violence.
Ending child marriage is crucial for achieving gender equality and reducing violence against women. It requires concerted efforts to challenge the cultural norms that perpetuate this practice and to empower girls through education and economic opportunities. By addressing the root causes of child marriage- such as poverty, lack of education, and entrenched gender norms- we can begin to dismantle the systems that allow violence against women to flourish. As we work towards these goals, it is vital to recognise that combating child marriage is not just about protecting individual rights; it is about fostering a society where all women and girls can thrive free from violence and discrimination. The 'Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat' campaign is focused on tackling these critical issues.
Child Marriage in India: An Overview
Child marriage is a form of silent slavery, trapping innocent lives, robbing them of their freedom, and shaping their futures before they've had a chance to imagine them.
The legal framework surrounding child marriage in India has evolved significantly over the years. The journey began with the enactment of the Child Marriage Restraint Act in 1929, which set the minimum marriage age at 14 for girls and 18 for boys. Post-independence, this was revised to align with progressive ideals, culminating in the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (PCMA) of 2006, which mandates 18 as the minimum age for girls and 21 for boys. Despite these legal advancements, enforcement remains a challenge, as entrenched cultural practices and socio-economic factors often override legal stipulations. Additionally, personal laws- particularly among certain religious communities, where earlier marriages with parental consent may be permitted- complicate the establishment of a uniform marriage age.
According to the National Family Health Survey-5 (2019-21), 23.3% of women aged 20-24 years were married before the legal age of 18, a slight improvement from 26.8% in the previous NFHS-4 (2015-16). However, this statistic underscores the persistence of child marriage, especially in rural and economically marginalised communities, where societal norms often prevail over legislation.
Child marriage disproportionately impacts young girls, curtailing their access to education, health, and opportunities, while perpetuating cycles of poverty and gender inequality. Addressing this issue is not just a legal or social necessity but an essential step toward realising India's broader goals of empowerment, gender parity, and sustainable development.
Key Features of Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat Campaign
• The campaign takes a targeted approach, focussing on seven high-burden states, including West Bengal, Bihar, and Rajasthan, where child marriage rates surpass the national average. The initiative sets an ambitious goal: to reduce child marriage rates below 5% by 2029, building on the decline from 47.4% in 2006 to 23.3% in 2019-21.
• A community-based strategy lies at the heart of the campaign, aiming to shift societal attitudes towards child marriage. By fostering awareness and engaging stakeholders, the initiative aspires to dismantle cultural norms that perpetuate the practice.
• The strengthening of legal enforcement is a key pillar, with an emphasis on enhancing the implementation of the PCMA, which criminalises child marriages. Stricter penalties for those facilitating child marriages further underscore the government's commitment to tackling the issue head-on.
• A digital innovation comes in the form of the Child Marriage Free Bharat portal, a platform designed to streamline the reporting of child marriage cases, provide information on legal remedies, and offer real-time monitoring through designated Child Marriage Prohibition Officers (CMPOs). This platform fosters increased community engagement by encouraging citizens to report violations, ensuring a rapid response to incidents of child marriage.
• The campaign's nodal monitoring system ensures accountability through the involvement of central-level officers to supervise the initiative's execution and ensure effective progress tracking.
What Role will CMPO's Play?
Child Marriage Prohibition Officers (CMPOs) are central to India's fight against child marriage, bridging government policies and grassroots realities. Appointed under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, CMPOs are tasked with multiple roles aimed at both preventing and responding to child marriages. Their responsibilities include immediate intervention to stop child marriages, conducting awareness campaigns to educate communities about the detrimental effects of child marriage, and offering counseling to families involved in or at risk of supporting such practices.
In addition to prevention, CMPOs collect vital evidence to facilitate legal action, ensuring perpetrators are held accountable. They have the authority to file petitions for the annulment of child marriages, as well as advocate for the welfare of affected minors, including maintenance and custody proceedings. Moreover, CMPOs regularly report their findings and activities to higher authorities, helping gauge the effectiveness of anti-child marriage initiatives.
By collaborating with law enforcement and other government bodies, CMPOs create a unified, responsive approach to combating child marriage. Their proactive engagement at the community level is not only about enforcement but also about changing deeply ingrained social norms. Through their efforts, CMPOs are vital agents of change, ensuring the protection of children's rights and pushing society towards greater recognition of the need for gender equality and empowerment of young girls.
Role of Local Communities in the Campaign
Local communities are at the heart of the Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, playing a crucial role in the fight against child marriage. Their engagement in awareness campaigns, pledging against child marriage, and supporting victims is key to changing societal norms. By collaborating with Child Marriage Prohibition Officers (CMPOs), participating in Nari Adalats, and promoting girls' education and skill development, communities can help prevent child marriages. Additionally, challenging patriarchal norms and creating safe spaces for girls empowers them to make informed decisions, furthering the campaign's success in eliminating child marriage.
Reporting Child Marriage through Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat Portal
The Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat Portal represents a significant step towards empowering citizens to take action against child marriage in India. By utilising this platform, individuals can play a pivotal role in combating this practice and supporting the rights of young girls.
Steps to Report Child Marriage
• Access the Portal: Visit the Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat Portal. This online platform is designed to facilitate reporting incidents of child marriage and to provide information about Child Marriage Prohibition Officers (CMPOs) across India.
• Register Your Complaint: On the portal, you will find options to report incidents. You may need to fill out a form with details such as: (i)The names of the individuals involved (ii) The location of the incident (iii) Any other relevant information that can help authorities take action.
• Contact Local Authorities: If immediate action is required, you can also reach out to local Child Marriage Prohibition Officers (CMPOs) directly. The portal provides contact information for CMPOs in various districts, making it easier for citizens to report cases and seek assistance.
• Anonymous Reporting: The portal may allow for anonymous reporting, ensuring that individuals can report cases without fear of repercussions.
• Follow Up: After submitting your report, you might want to follow up through the portal or with local authorities to ensure that your complaint is being addressed.
• Importance of Reporting: Reporting child marriage is crucial for several reasons:
• Legal Enforcement: It aids in enforcing the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, which prohibits marriages involving girls under 18 and boys under 21.
• Community Awareness: By reporting cases, you contribute to raising awareness about the harmful results of child marriage and help change societal norms.
• Support for Victims: Reporting can lead to immediate intervention and support for victims, helping them escape harmful situations and access necessary resources.
High-Burden States
West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, Tripura, Assam, Andhra Pradesh
Action Details
Developing Action States will create detailed, region-specific plans to reduce child
Plans marriage rates to below 5% by 2029. These plans will focus on
addressing unique local cultural, social, and economic factors
contributing to child marriage, ensuring effective intervention
strategies.
Community Extensive awareness campaigns will be conducted to inform
Mobilisation communities about the legal, social, and health impacts of
child marriage. This will involve local workshops, public
events, and media outreach, encouraging active participation
and changing societal attitudes.Strengthening Enforcement of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act will be
Legal Framework enhanced. States will take stringent measures to ensure that
offenders are prosecuted and penalties are imposed, helping
deter child marriages and protect children's rights.
Utilising the States will leverage the portal to report incidents, track cases,
Child Marriage and streamline communication with Child Marriage Prohibition
Free Bharat Portal Officers (CMPOs). The portal also provides resources on legal
rights, making it an essential tool for reporting and monitoring
child marriages.
Educational States will align their efforts with the National Education Policy
Initiatives to promote girls' education as a key factor in reducing child
marriage. Initiatives will include scholarships, school retention
programmes, and support to ensure girls can continue their
education.
Health and Programmes such as the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana will be
Financial Security promoted to help families save for girls' futures. Health
initiatives will focus on improving access to care for young
girls, especially reproductive health services, which are crucial
in preventing child marriage.
Multi-Sectoral Collaboration across various sectors, including health, law
Coordination enforcement, and education, will be fostered to ensure a
cohesive and coordinated response to the issue of child
marriage. This will help strengthen the overall impact of
interventions.
Monitoring and CMPOs will be tasked with collecting data on child marriage
Reporting incidents, providing counselling, and ensuring communities
are aware of their legal rights. Regular progress reports will
be submitted to assess the effectiveness of the state-level
initiatives.
(The author is a Human Rights activist and freelance writer. Feedback on this article can be sent to feedback. employmentnews@gmail.com).
Views expressed are personal.