Many girls from poor families in Bangladesh are considered to be a financial burden to their parents and married off at a young age, often to much older men. According to UNICEF, Bangladesh has one of the highest rates of child marriage in the world. Islamic Relief is running a project in Rangpur to help combat the issue.
The Covid-19 pandemic saw widespread job losses in Bangladesh, pushing people deeper into poverty and leading to a rise in child marriages. Islamic Relief’s project involves working with parents, faith leaders and youths to educate them on girls’ rights and the harms of child marriage. We have also established a child-protection committee in the area to help identify potential victims of child marriage and to support them and their families.
Kabita’s story
The project has helped Kabita, a young girl from Hajipara village who was almost forced to get married when she was just 14 years old.
Kabita lives with just her mother Manjuara after her father left them when she was a baby. Manjuara has disabilitiesand is unable to work, so the mother and daughter are forced to rely on support from relatives. They are given very little money to live on, and often struggle to meet their basic needs.
When she was in ninth grade Kabita was sent a marriage proposal from an older man in her village.
“Managing the family’s expenses is very difficult for me. I have no income. I am dependent on my brothers for survival”, says Manjuara.
“Kabita is a burden to me. Extra money is needed for her education which is difficult for me to manage.
“I felt that Kabita was old enough to marry and that this was the best solution for both of us. I truly felt she would be happy to be married and didn’t hesitate to accept the marriage proposal”, she says.
Helping to change Manjuara’s perspective
However, then women from Islamic Relief’s child protection committee came to hear about Kabita’s engagement and visited her home. They explained the consequences and dangers of child marriage and the current laws and punishment around the issue.
They also invited Kabita to join a girls’ group to learn more about her rights. She was taught about the importance of education, sexual and reproductive health and the dangers of early marriage. Manjuara also took part in Islamic Relief’s awareness-raising sessions, which helped to change her attitude towards Kabita’s marriage.
“I eventually realised that I had made the wrong decision in forcing Kabita to get married at such a young age”, says Manjuara.
“I’ve now realised how important it is to keep Kabita in education no matter how difficult it is for me. She is my only hope. If she can be self-sufficient, I will be the happiest person in the world.
“Many thanks to Islamic Relief for opening my eyes. Their efforts have moved me away from the wrong path and I pray that Kabita will now have a brighter future ahead”, says Manjuara.
Kabita has regained her confidence and is thankful to be able to continue her education.
“If my mother were educated, we would not have been so vulnerable. She could have received maintenance money from my father and known about her rights. I want to complete my education so that I am not victimised like my mother. I want to be independent and self-sufficient. Only then will I consider getting married, because I will be in a much stronger position. Thank you for supporting me during a critical time in my life”, says Kabita.
Kabita is one of 300 girls in Rangpur who are benefitting from Islamic Relief’s project.
Help us to continue our vital work to protect the rights of the world’s most vulnerable members and ensure that they can gain agency over their lives – please donate now.