Child Marriages in Warangal District

Tharuni's Campaign





Child Marriages in Warangal District

While conducting nutrition and health education sessions to adolescent girls studying in various High Schools in Warangal Districtu during the years 2000 and 2001, the director of Tharuni Dr. Mamatha Raghuveer had observed that many girl students are dropping out of school in 8th and 9th classes itself due to marriage. A survey taken up by Tharuni revealed the alarming situation with an estimated 1200 child marriages being performed in Warangal district every year. Inspite of the minimum age of marriage for a woman being fixed at 18 years many girls are getting married immediately after attaining puberty. Tharuni launched a massive campaign including a specially designed and conceptualised puppet show on the evils of child marriages and sensitised the district administration and the general public about the need to stop this undesirable trend. As many as 30 child marriages could be stopped in 7 Mandals due to Tharuni's efforts.