Janakpur, 22 August 2025.
A two-day program on ending Child, Early, and Forced marriage, focusing on local laws and associated challenges, was held in Janakpur.
The program was organized by Girls Not Brides Nepal, in coordination with the Madhesh Province Ministry of Sports and Social Welfare. Vice-chairs, deputy mayors, and chiefs of Women and Children Sections from all local governments of Sarlahi and Mahottari districts participated in the separate sessions, in the program which was co-ordinated by CWIN Nepal, NIRN Nepal, and the National Adolescent Girl’s Network, with support from Save the Children International.
During the program, representatives from various local governments shared their experiences, ongoing efforts, and challenges in combating child marriage.
The Chief Guest of the program, Rupa Kumari Yadav, Member of the Madhesh Provincial Assembly and Chairperson of the Assembly’s Committee on Women, Children, and Social Justice, emphasized that any local government that commits to ending child marriage will receive support from the committee—from budget allocation to implementation planning. Member of Madhesh Provincial Assembly, Yadav, also highlighted that various forms of child marriage negatively impact not only adolescents but the wider community, stressing the need for effective implementation of existing laws.
Participants underlined the importance of identifying successful practices, promoting them widely, and committing to their implementation. The discussions also highlighted the crucial role of community groups, civil society organizations, religious leaders, and stakeholders in effectively ending child, early, and forced marriage.