In the remote village of Bardiya, Nepal, a young woman named Bali’s dream of driving was shattered at the age of six when she was sold into servitude by her parents. Forced into marriage at 13, she became a mother at 14, and now at 32, she wishes for her daughter to stay in school and avoid the same fate.
In Nepal, a new law to lower the legal marriage age from 20 to 18 is being debated, with concerns that it may increase the risks for adolescent girls. While the Nepalese government has worked to raise the marriage age to 20 to combat child marriage, a recent recommendation to lower it has sparked national debate.
Child marriage remains a significant issue in Nepal, with millions of child brides facing societal pressures and discrimination. Despite efforts to combat the practice, economic and social challenges specific to Nepal have hindered progress in eliminating child marriage.
Amidst the hardships, there are signs of hope as grassroots organizations like Banke Unesco work to prevent child marriage and support at-risk girls. Young activists like Swostika, a member of Champions of Change, are leading campaigns against child marriage and gender-based violence, hoping to create a better future for the next generation.
Despite the challenges faced by women like Bali, who found empowerment through becoming a truck driver, the fight against child marriage in Nepal continues, driven by the determination of young activists and grassroots efforts working towards a brighter future for girls and boys in the country.
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