In an effort to combat child marriage, the District Hub for Empowerment of Women (DHEW), under the Women and Child Development Department, organized an awareness meeting at Jania in Barpeta district, Assam, on Tuesday.
The initiative was supported by the Piramal Foundation and saw participation from various government officials, law enforcement agencies, health officials, and local representatives. This meeting aimed to educate communities on the dangers of child marriage, promote gender equality, and encourage the implementation of the Child Marriage Prohibition Act.
Key Attendees and Their Roles
The awareness event was chaired by Additional Deputy Commissioner (Social Welfare) Mousumi Chetia and attended by:
- ASP Bidyut Vikash Bora Borbhuyan – Highlighted law enforcement efforts.
- District Social Welfare Officer – Spoke on social measures to prevent child marriage.
- BDO Mandia & CDPO Mandia – Discussed rural development strategies.
- District Child Protection Officer (DCPO) Jitul Bora – Led a session on child protection laws.
- Chairperson of the Child Welfare Committee – Addressed child rights and rehabilitation.
- Health Officials & Gram Panchayat Representatives – Explained health impacts and community involvement.
- Anganwadi Workers & Local Residents – Played a key role in awareness dissemination.
Discussions on the Prevention of Child Marriage
Empowering Women and Involving Both Genders
ADC Mousumi Chetia emphasized the need for gender equality and urged both men and women to actively work toward eliminating child marriage.
Law Enforcement and Legal Provisions
ASP Bidyut Vikash Bora provided insights into the Child Marriage Prohibition Act and the role of law enforcement agencies in tackling illegal child marriages.
Strategies for Prevention
During his session, DCPO Jitul Bora outlined prevention strategies, emphasizing:
- Community engagement to report and prevent child marriages.
- Strengthening child protection committees at the village level.
- Encouraging girls’ education to delay marriage and ensure empowerment.
Health Risks of Early Marriage
Health officials discussed the severe impact of early marriage on girls’ health and education, highlighting:
- Increased risk of maternal and infant mortality.
- Higher chances of malnutrition and anemia.
- Psychological and emotional stress affecting mental well-being.
Community Engagement and Activities
To promote awareness and community participation, several initiatives were undertaken during the event:
Pledge for Child Marriage-Free Communities
Attendees took an oath under the ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ scheme and pledged to create a Child Marriage Mukt Gram Panchayat.
Street Play on the Realities of Child Marriage
A street play was performed to depict the harsh consequences of child marriage, including:
- Loss of childhood and education.
- Domestic violence and marital abuse.
- Financial instability and poverty.
Stalls for Sukanya Samriddhi Account and Ayushman Card Registration
To encourage financial independence and healthcare access, special stalls were set up for:
- Sukanya Samriddhi Account openings – A savings scheme for girl children.
- Ayushman Card registration – Providing health insurance benefits.
Felicitation of Meritorious Girls
Under the ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ initiative, meritorious girls from the district were felicitated for their academic achievements, inspiring other girls to pursue education and empowerment.
Plantation Drive for Newborn Girls
As a symbolic gesture, ADC Mousumi Chetia and ASP Bidyut Vikash Bora planted trees in the names of newborn girls, promoting environmental sustainability and reinforcing the importance of girl children in society.
The Importance of Preventing Child Marriage in Assam
Child marriage remains a pressing issue in Assam, particularly in rural districts like Barpeta. Initiatives like this awareness meeting play a crucial role in changing mindsets and enforcing laws to eradicate the practice.
Key Takeaways from the Event:
The Awareness Meeting on the Prevention of Child Marriage in Barpeta, Assam, was a major step toward eradicating child marriages and ensuring a better future for young girls. By engaging government officials, law enforcement agencies, health professionals, and local communities, the event successfully spread awareness and encouraged active participation in child protection efforts. Such initiatives are crucial in achieving the vision of a Child Marriage-Free Assam and promoting the rights of young girls across the state.