Youth networks take lead in tackling Chhaupadi and child marriage
Summary
Youth networks in Achham are demolishing Chhau sheds, stopping child marriages and pressuring families to abandon harmful practices. Their efforts are slowly changing local attitudes even as they receive limited support from elected representatives.
Key Points
- The ward-level Child Network in Panchadeval Binayak Municipality-3 has demolished 10 Chhau sheds and helped stop five child marriages over the past year.
- In Kuika, Kamalbazar Municipality-5, the child network alerts authorities about planned underage marriages and recently helped bring back 13 minors taken to India after marriage.
- Network members are persuading families to abandon Chhaupadi and encouraging women and girls to stay safely inside their homes during menstruation.
- Local attitudes are shifting, with even a ward member and traditional Dhami saying his views have changed and he now supports the campaign.
