Finding the courage to refuse child marriage

When she was barely a teenager, Azida found herself at the crossroads of tradition and personal dreams. Hailing from a family that once flourished in Myanmar, the refugee camp’s challenges – notably the scarcity of land for agriculture – and the widely held notion that a girls’ future should be secured through marriage, forced her family into a difficult situation.

"I was 13 years old when the [marriage] proposal came,” recalls Azida, now 15. “It was during COVID. My older sister had gotten married, and I was next in line. The people in our community kept telling my parents to marry me off even though I was underage."

Despite only being a child, societal pressures and the prevailing norm of child marriage loomed over Azida. The COVID-19 pandemic intensified these pressures as learning centres closed to reduce the risk of transmission. Adolescent girls like Azida, confined in a cramped bamboo shelter, became at risk of child marriage as community members began urging her parents to proceed with the proposal.

"I told my parents that I did not want to get married,” says Azida. “I had been going to the multi-purpose centre and adolescent clubs where I learned about child marriage, child abuse and such. I knew that I was underage and should not be getting married so early as it would have negative effects on me and my body. Early pregnancies can lead to many health risks for the mother and baby – even death.”

The multi-purpose centres, which are supported by UNICEF with funding from the European Union, have evolved to address a myriad of issues, including child marriage, child labour, psychological distress, neglect and the exclusion of children with disabilities. By providing support through adolescent clubs, vocational training, and a safe space for self-expression, the centres aim to instil a sense of purpose and resilience among adolescents and youth.

Having attended the adolescent club at the multi-purpose centre for almost four years, Azida learned valuable lessons on child marriage, early pregnancy, child abuse, empowerment and more. Life-skill sessions, led by facilitators, had taught her about the potential harms of child marriage and encouraged her to speak out.

"One day, the boy's parents visited our home,” Azida recalls. “I informed my parents that it would be wrong for me to get married so early. I told them the legal age to get married is 18 but they would not listen. So, I came to the centre and talked to my sewing instructor about my situation."

Despite Azida's pleas falling on deaf ears at home, her unwavering determination led her to speak up. After hearing about the situation from Azida, her sewing instructor referred her to a case worker.

"My parents did not know about the harmful consequences of child marriage,” Azida explains. “The case worker spoke to them and made them aware. He told them how a girl can become a victim of abuse and neglect. They learned about the risks of getting pregnant at an early age.”

With the case worker’s intervention, Azida's parents realized that they were putting their daughter’s life at risk and decided to decline the marriage offer.

"I was very happy to hear that they had decided to drop the marriage proposal,” says Azida, describing the relief she felt in that moment. “It gave me courage.”

Azida's triumph was not only personal but resonated as a source of inspiration for others. Determined to make the most of her independence, she now avidly attends embroidery courses at the multi-purpose centre that are offered to help adolescents develop practical skills they will need for the future. With a newly acquired sewing machine that her father bought for her, she crafts dresses for herself and others, showcasing her newfound skills.

"I make dresses, frocks and other items,” Azida says with a smile. “I am still learning to sew. I'll make more items once I become more proficient.”

“I know I can change my life however I want to,” she continues. “Now, if someone comes to me and says that their parents are marrying them off against their will, I can share my story to make them understand.”