Maintaining an open channel of communication between the people and the government is essential. Kishori Leaders belonging to the Devadasi community, who advocate for change and 31 duty bearers from Kugidi, Karnataka, including Taluk Legal Service Authority members, Anganwadi supervisors, ASHA workers, the Child Development Project Officer, and others, participated in a dialogue hosted by...

Though the Devadasi practice was outlawed nearly one hundred years ago, in 1924, it continues to exist in certain parts of the country due to continuous underreporting and its underground nature. The Devadasi system is the “offering” of girl children, after which they become sex workers.  The Devadasi Security Act of 1934 makes this practice...

Child marriage in India is a major societal issue that continues to persist. Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, many children have been out of school and their families have been left in precarious financial situations. This leaves children, especially young girls, vulnerable to being married off and not allowed to continue their education. This kind...

Ten million additional child marriages may occur before the end of the decade, threatening years of progress in reducing the practice, according to an analysis released by UNICEF. It is no shocker that the COVID-19 Pandemic has further elevated the number of children being exploited, as many took the opportunity of getting their children married...

1.5 Million. 1.5 million girls in India (according to UNICEF) under the age of 18 are made to get married, which unfortunately makes India home to the largest number of child brides. It’s an evil practice that must be put to a stop. We at CIF work to stop practices such as this that are...