Fighting Child Marriage In Bangladesh

Bangladesh has the third highest rate of child marriage in the world, with an estimated 4.4 million girls married before they turned 18, and this number is now expected to triple by 2030, thanks to the economic impact of COVID-19. In addition to child marriage, girls are exploited for forced labor and prostitution. Collectively, these issues override the girls’ rights to education, health, protection, and development.
 
Savar Children’s Village offers a safe haven for orphaned and vulnerable girls. Savar is a residential campus where girls learn that there are more options in life than selling their bodies. McDonald Adhikary, the country director, shares about the power of women:

“A nation can be educated through an educated mother. International Needs Bangladesh established the children’s village in Savar to give underprivileged girls the opportunity to access education, find work, and be involved in decision-making for their families and society.”