Where strong voices bloom: An adolescent club empowering girls to fight child marriage

“Getting married now will be the death of my dreams. If I say yes now, it will be like committing suicide and I do not want my dreams to be ruined!” says Sumaiya, 17, a student of class 11, fiercely. She is a member of the South Katherbil Adolescent club in Dewangonj upazila, in the northern region of deltaic Bangladesh. There, child marriage is one of the biggest dangers looming over these young girls’ lives. Sumaiya herself almost became an underage bride.

Child marriage in Bangladesh is not as prevalent as it once used to be due to persistent interventions by the government and other organisations. However, it is still ongoing in the country due to people living in poverty being unable to feed their children, and due to traditional social norms. 

“A few months ago, just before my SSC exams, a prospective groom came to see me with a marriage proposal and a wedding date was set.” Though Sumaiya disagreed, her family members forced her. But Sumaiya did not give up hope and took the brave step to seek help from her Club friends. This club consisted of girls who all fought for social justice in their community as agents of change, runs by the BIeNGS project, an initiative implemented by World Vision Bangladesh that is funded by the European Union and DFAT. The club carries out peer–education for health, nutrition, WASH, and teaches life skills along with rights-based awareness to build confidence and leadership within adolescent girls.

“The club taught me about what marriage at a young age does to a person’s physical and mental health. I also personally witnessed the suffering of many child brides in my own neighbourhood. I made the decision to not marry early and wait for the right time,” says Sumaiya, with a small smile. She adds, “I sought help from my friends and World Vision’s BIeNGS project staff. Then they, and the village elders, all visited my house and spoke to my parents and guardians and convinced them to call off the wedding.”

“My parents are living apart from us to earn a livelihood. I dream that I will bring smiles to my parent. I am more confident now as my club, family and also my community are beside me!” says Sumaiya with a big smile.