MJK recently conducted an awareness session with Pathivara Tole Bikash at Mechinagar-9, Dhulabari, focusing on the issue of child marriage. The session, which included female participants, began with introductions and an overview of our organization. We clarified the legal provisions regarding child marriage, addressing misconceptions about the legal age for marriage, which some participants incorrectly thought differed for girls and boys. The discussion highlighted the negative impacts of child marriage on education, health, and society. Many participants shared personal experiences and noted that child marriage remains prevalent in their community, even among educated families. Some mentioned cases where daughters were married off early to wealthy individuals from abroad, and others reported instances of love marriages occurring without parental consent. The session successfully raised awareness about the legal implications and harmful effects of child marriage, and participants committed to opposing such practices and refraining from attending child marriage ceremonies. It was also noted that respected community members sometimes attend these ceremonies without raising objections, and child marriage is practiced even within educated families
