Over 50,000 child marriages prevented across India over last year: Prayas JAC

Prayas Juvenile Aid Centre (Prayas JAC), a non-profit that works on issues concerning women and children, was instrumental in stopping around 50,000 child marriages across 600 districts in India during 2023-2024 and challenging 10,000 more in various courts during the same period, Amod Kanth, the organisation’s general secretary, said on Friday at an event to mark women’s day.

Ambassador of  the Women’s Entrepreneurship Day Organization (WEDO) India chapter, Sushi Singh, delivered the theme address at the event and urged women to raise their voices against oppression, advocating for positive change on a global scale.

Co-ambassador of WEDO India chapter, Tulika Singh, said, “This event serves as an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women and underscore the importance of creating inclusive spaces where every individual feels valued and respected.”

Many dignitaries, including the assistant general manager of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Mamta Gandhi, and Elena Barman, from the Indian Association of Russian Compatriots, highlighted the need to break the “glass ceiling” which confronts many women in India on a daily basis. Wendy Diamond, the founder of WEDO, also highlighted the same in her video message.

On the other hand, Anita Gupta, Founder of the NewAgeMompreneurs community, stressed the importance of financial independence for women and “harnessing inherent power” to achieve one’s aspirations.

The ‘Her Voice’ event, organised by Prayas JAC, in collaboration with WEDO, came to an end with a vote of thanks for the participants, speakers and their supporters.

The event was inaugurated by Kanth as he shed light on the origin of International Women’s Day, while highlighting its significance.