CHILD PROTECTION
Impact of Early Child Marriage
Child marriage severely undermines the rights and well-being of children. Research highlights that early marriage increases the risks of violence, abuse, and exploitation for girls, while also affecting boys. Early marriage negatively impacts physical, intellectual, psychological, and emotional development, and limits educational prospects. In Karnataka, approximately 22% of marriages involve girls under 18, and 8% involve boys under 21.
Child marriage significantly restricts children’s access to education and curtails future opportunities. It perpetuates poverty across generations, limiting autonomy and reinforcing inequality. Health risks, such as early pregnancies and complications like obstetric fistula, are prevalent among young brides who have limited access to reproductive health services and contraception. Additionally, young brides often experience domestic violence due to their lack of power and resources.
Project Overview
SEVAK is working through the IMAGE K (Initiative for Married Adolescent Girls Empowerment Karnataka) project, a collaborative effort supported by Terre des Hommes (Netherlands) and the Comic Relief Fund (UK). This initiative aims to protect and promote the rights of over 3,000 young brides and survivors of early marriage in Belagavi and Dharwad districts. The project focuses on empowering girls by providing access to education, healthcare, social security, and livelihood opportunities, while also addressing gender-based violence and promoting sexual and reproductive health rights.
Key Objectives
Health and Reproductive Rights: Educating married adolescent girls on reproductive health and providing access to healthcare services.
Education and Vocational Training: Re-enrolling girls into education and offering vocational training to enhance their employability.
Nutritional Support: Ensuring access to proper nutrition to promote better health outcomes for young brides.
Gender-Based Violence: Addressing and preventing domestic and gender-based violence through education and community awareness.
Livelihood Opportunities: Providing skills training and economic opportunities to empower girls and reduce their dependency.
Target Location
The IMAGE K project operates in the Belagavi and Dharwad districts, reaching over 3,000 young brides and vulnerable adolescent girls. The project engages families, communities, and local institutions to create a safe and supportive environment for these girls.