Working Toward a Child Marriage-Free Kerala

Kerala has one of the lowest child marriage rates in India at 3.5%, but this statistic masks significant regional variations. In some northern districts like Malappuram and Kasargod, rates are considerably higher, particularly among certain communities.

Child marriage is not just a violation of child rights but a serious impediment to development. Girls married before 18 are more likely to experience domestic violence, less likely to complete their education, and face higher risks of maternal mortality.

Our Balika Suraksha program takes a multi-pronged approach:

1. Community awareness campaigns highlighting the legal age of marriage (18 for women, 21 for men under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act) 2. School-based life skills education focusing on empowerment and bodily autonomy 3. Economic incentives for families to keep girls in school 4. Rapid response teams that intervene when a child marriage is reported

We have successfully prevented 340 child marriages in the past year alone through our network of community volunteers and partnerships with local police and panchayati raj institutions.

If you know of a child at risk of early marriage, please call Child Helpline 1098. Your call can change a life.