Child marriage remains a deeply rooted challenge in Bangladesh, especially in rural regions.. Driven by poverty, gender inequality, and limited access to education, many families are compelled to marry off their daughters at a young age. Early marriage exposes girls to severe health risks – early pregnancies, disrupts their education, increased vulnerability to domestic violence. It also contributes to long-term economic instability and entrenches cycles of poverty in entire communities. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated this issue, triggering a notable rise in child marriages.

In response to this crisis, the Child Marriage Prevention Loan (CMPL) is a groundbreaking initiative introduced by Amal Foundation in collaboration with IPDC Finance, Just People Australia, and World Vision. Designed to address the persistent issue of child marriage in Sariakandi and Gabtoli regions of Bogura District, this project helps families through economic support, enabling girls to stay in school and avoid early marriage.

To be eligible for the loan, families must meet specific criteria. The girl must be under the age of 18, must be educated until high school, and must not be married off before reaching the legal age of 18. 

Since its launch in 2022, a total of 416 families have benefited from the initiative, with all recipients having started their own businesses using the interest-free loans. The loan return rate is nearly 100%, demonstrating the program’s success, effectiveness, and long-term sustainability.

In terms of educational outcomes, the project has also shown significant promise. School dropout rates for girls have decreased to 15%, and school attendance has seen a noticeable increase.

This project goes beyond financial aid. It offers a sustainable, community-led solution to combat child marriage by addressing its root causes. CMPL ensures that girls can pursue education and reach their full potential, away from the threat of early marriage.