Grassroots Action to End Child Early and Forced Marraiges

Project Summary Project Title: Grassroots Action to End Child, Early, and Forced Marriages (CEFM) Implementing Partner: Sewa Development Trust Sindh (SDTS) Location: District Khairpur, Sindh Province Project Theme: Theme 3 – Youth Engagement and Advocacy to End CEFM Supported by: Save the Children and U.S. Department of State Coordinated through: Strengthening Participatory Organization (SPO) Summary: Sewa Development Trust Sindh (SDTS) is implementing the CEFM project in District Khairpur under Theme 3, which focuses on strengthening youth leadership and community-based advocacy to combat Child, Early, and Forced Marriages (CEFM). The project aims to empower adolescents and youth—particularly from marginalized communities—by enhancing their knowledge, voice, and agency to influence attitudes and practices related to CEFM. Working across five targeted Union Councils (UCs)—Noorpur, Pir jo Goth, Jellani, Luqman, and Shadi Shaheed—the project mobilizes CEFM Youth Champions, both girls and boys, who lead awareness campaigns, dialogue sessions, and community mobilization efforts. Key components of the project include: Formation and capacity-building of youth advocacy groups Community outreach campaigns focused on education, sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR), and CEFM prevention Coordination through the District Learning Forum (DLF) for joint action and resource-sharing among CSO partners Organization of district-level events, youth-government dialogues, and provincial advocacy engagements Development and dissemination of IEC materials, digital advocacy, and social media engagement By integrating legal literacy, grassroots mobilization, and policy dialogue, the project seeks to reduce the prevalence of child marriages in the district and contribute toward sustainable change through youth-led action and community ownership.

Challenges of Child, Early, and Forced Marriages (CEFM) Cultural and Social Norms Deeply rooted patriarchal traditions and gender norms in many rural communities normalize and even encourage early marriage as a means of preserving family honor and controlling female sexuality. Poverty and Economic Pressures Families often view early marriage as a financial strategy to reduce economic burden or gain dowry-related benefits, pushing adolescent girls into marriage at the cost of their education and health. Low Awareness of Legal Frameworks Despite the existence of the Sindh Child Marriage Restraint Act (2013), communities remain largely unaware of the law or lack confidence in its enforcement mechanisms. Weak Law Enforcement Law enforcement bodies and local authorities often hesitate to act against CEFM due to community pressure, lack of coordination, or unclear jurisdictional responsibilities. Lack of Access to Education Inadequate educational infrastructure, especially for girls, and high dropout rates create an environment where early marriage becomes a more viable option than continued schooling. Limited Youth Voice and Participation Adolescents, particularly girls, are seldom involved in decision-making at the family or community level, reducing their ability to resist early or forced marriages. Inadequate Health Services and SRHR Awareness Poor access to sexual and reproductive health services and lack of SRHR knowledge exposes married adolescents to serious health risks, including early pregnancy and maternal mortality. Stigma and Silence Around CEFM Survivors of CEFM face social stigma and limited support services, discouraging them from speaking out or seeking help. Limited Coordination Among Stakeholders The absence of integrated efforts among CSOs, government departments, and communities hinders comprehensive responses and resource optimization to address CEFM. Digital Divide and Information Gaps In rural areas, limited access to digital tools and information platforms restricts awareness-building efforts and youth engagement in anti-CEFM campaigns..

Key Activities of the CEFM Project (Theme 3 – Youth Engagement) Formation of Youth Groups / CEFM Champions Adolescent boys and girls were mobilized and trained as CEFM Champions across five Union Councils to lead awareness campaigns and advocate for child rights and protection. Capacity-Building Trainings for Youth Interactive sessions conducted to build knowledge and skills of youth on CEFM laws, child rights, SRHR, leadership, and community mobilization techniques. Mass Youth-led Advocacy Campaigns Gender-specific campaigns (5 by girls, 5 by boys) organized at the UC level to raise awareness on education, SRHR, and early marriage using placards, speeches, and creative tools. Youth-Government Dialogue Sessions District-level interface events organized between youth and government departments to discuss policy gaps, service delivery, and avenues for collaboration to prevent CEFM. CEFM Awareness Workshops Community-level workshops conducted to educate adolescents, parents, teachers, and local leaders on the negative consequences of CEFM and the legal age of marriage. Social Media Advocacy Daily dissemination of CEFM messages and youth voices through Facebook, WhatsApp, TikTok, and LinkedIn to reach a wider audience, especially tech-connected youth. Grand District-Level Awareness Event A combined advocacy event held under the District Learning Forum (DLF), showcasing youth-led actions, theater, exhibitions, pledge signing, and a public rally. Drawing and Expression Competitions Creative spaces provided to youth for self-expression through drawing competitions and art-based messaging on child rights and early marriage. Coordination through District Learning Forum (DLF) Monthly meetings held among all partner CSOs in Khairpur for planning, information-sharing, and monitoring of joint advocacy actions under the project. IEC Material Development and Dissemination Posters, banners, and youth-friendly materials developed and displayed across communities and events to promote legal awareness and child protection messages..

The Grassroots Action to End Child, Early, and Forced Marriages (CEFM) project aims to generate sustainable, transformative change by empowering youth, mobilizing communities, and strengthening institutional responses to end CEFM in Sindh. Its long-term impact is envisioned across the following dimensions: Youth Empowerment and Leadership The project cultivates a generation of informed, confident, and socially responsible youth leaders who will continue to advocate for child rights, gender equality, and community well-being beyond the project lifecycle. Sustainable Community Awareness Through ongoing grassroots advocacy and peer-to-peer engagement, communities become more aware of the legal, social, and health consequences of CEFM. This leads to gradual shifts in attitudes, reducing acceptance of harmful practices. Policy and System Strengthening By facilitating direct engagement between youth and government institutions, the project fosters stronger accountability mechanisms, more responsive service delivery, and improved implementation of child protection laws like the Sindh Child Marriage Restraint Act (2013). Increased Access to Education and SRHR Advocacy campaigns and stakeholder dialogues pave the way for increased school retention among girls and greater access to adolescent sexual and reproductive health services—critical in preventing early marriages. Replication and Scaling of Youth-Led Models The project’s innovative approach—mobilizing youth as change agents and integrating community forums such as the District Learning Forum (DLF)—provides a scalable model that can be replicated in other districts and provinces. Breaking the Intergenerational Cycle of CEFM By delaying marriages and promoting informed decision-making, the project disrupts the cycle of poverty, early pregnancies, school dropouts, and gender-based violence, contributing to healthier, more empowered future generations. Strengthened Civil Society Collaboration The formation of coalitions like the DLF and Provincial Learning Forum (PLF) enhances CSO coordination, knowledge-sharing, and collective advocacy—creating a unified voice for policy change and rights-based development. Cultural Shift through Creative Media Theater, digital campaigns, art, and storytelling generate alternative narratives within communities, normalizing girls’ education, bodily autonomy, and shared responsibility for protecting children’s rights..