Child marriage has become pervasive in Bangladesh, particularly in rural areas. This incidence has risen during the COVID-19 pandemic. The rural regions of Bogra District grapple with significant economic hardships, characterized by poverty and scarce opportunities. This challenging economic landscape plays a role in the widespread occurrence of child marriages, inflicting substantial social and psychological harm on young girls. It perpetuates a cycle of poverty and acts as a barrier to comprehensive community development.

Child marriage poses severe challenges with profound and lasting harms. Young brides often face compromised health due to early pregnancies, limited educational opportunities, and increased vulnerability to domestic violence. The practice perpetuates cycles of poverty, reinforcing gender inequalities and hindering overall social and economic development in affected communities. Addressing these challenges requires comprehensive efforts to change societal norms, enhance education, and enforce protective policies.

With an aim to solve this issue, Amal Foundation and IPDC Finance and Just People, Australia initiated unique project entitled “Child Marriage Prevention Loan (CMPL)”. This project aims to give parents of female children interest fee loan so they may invest in their businesses and maintain their financial security. In addition to ensuring the families’ financial security, this initiative will enable the young girls to continue with their education. Because of their financial situation, the families would not feel obligated to marry off their daughters more quickly. 

From 2022 to 2027, the project will be carried out in the Bogura district areas of Sariakandi and Gabtoli. The loan has been already disbursed to the beneficiaries and all of them has started their own businesses. Till now the beneficiaries have provided their 6th installment on time and in full amount. Apart from that, the school drop rate of girl child has dropped to 15% and their presence at school has increased.