India: Milaan Foundation’s Girl Icon programme has achieved groundbreaking success, reducing child marriage rates by over 98 per cent in rural Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Karnataka. A recent study reveals that child marriage rates have dropped to less than 1 per cent in these regions, compared to state averages of 15-23 per cent. This achievement highlights the effectiveness of community-led efforts in empowering adolescent girls and reshaping their futures.
Since 2007, Milaan has reached over 1,00,000 young people, focusing on breaking cycles of poverty, challenging deeply rooted cultural norms, and promoting education. The Foundation’s interventions have provided adolescent girls with the tools to defy early marriage and build brighter futures, particularly in India’s most disadvantaged rural communities.
“We’ve seen firsthand the incredible change that can happen when young girls are given the chance to make their own choices,” said Dhirendra Pratap Singh, Co-Founder & CEO, Milaan Foundation. “The Girl Icon programme isn’t just about reducing child marriage; it’s about giving these girls the opportunity to dream, to lead, and break free from the limitations of tradition. In our program areas, child marriage rates have dropped to under 1 per cent, which is a powerful testament to the shift we’re seeing in communities.”
Milaan’s success is also rooted in strong collaborations with local governments, community leaders, and families. By engaging these stakeholders, the Foundation has changed regressive social norms and fostered a supportive environment for young girls.
In Uttar Pradesh, child marriage rates decreased from 21.1 per cent in 2016 to 15.8 per cent in 2021. In Madhya Pradesh, the rate fell from 27.8 to 23.1 per cent, and from 22.3 to 20.2 per cent in Karnataka. While challenges remain, nearly all Girl Icon participants have stayed unmarried, underscoring the programme’s profound impact.
To address the root causes of child marriage—poverty, lack of education, and societal pressure—Milaan provides scholarships, leadership opportunities, and family support, helping girls escape cycles of illiteracy and poverty. This comprehensive approach is empowering the next generation to thrive.
Milaan aims to reach over 1 million adolescents by 2030, continuing its work to challenge entrenched cultural norms and expand opportunities for young people across India.
