Impact Report: It Takes Nepal to End Child Marriage

World Vision International (WVI) Nepal launched the "It Takes Nepal to End Child Marriage" campaign in 2017 as part of the global initiative "It Takes a World to End Violence Against Children." The campaign aimed to eliminate child marriage by 2030, aligning with the Government of Nepal's vision and Sustainable Development Goals. Over the six-year period, WVI Nepal collaborated extensively with the government, political leaders, civil society, and private sectors, reaching nearly 450,000 children and adolescents in 46 municipalities across 6 provinces.

The campaign influenced 44 policies at various levels and successfully implemented strategies in 24 rural municipalities. WVI Nepal empowered children and adolescents, directly reaching them and engaging them as torchbearers in their communities. Notably, 561 incidents of child marriage were prevented, showcasing the campaign's impact. The initiative promoted the momentum of the Government of Nepal, emphasizing the multifaceted nature of the issue and adopting diverse strategies, including media engagement, collaboration with government agencies, empowerment programs, and involvement of inter-faith leaders.

The government's increased attention and proactive responses, enhanced capacity of protection actors, and law enforcement authorities' efficient interventions were observed throughout the campaign. WVI Nepal suggests a continued and focused effort to end child marriage by updating, endorsing, and implementing the National Strategy to End Child Marriage. Strengthening local child protection systems and ensuring coordinated actions among community and religious leaders, parents, and families are emphasized. Increased budget allocation for children and adolescents at all government levels is proposed to support empowering programs and sustain the momentum toward ending child marriage by 2030.