EFFECT OF CHILD MARRIAGE EDUCATION PROGRAMME ON OPINIONS AND AWARENESS OF ADOLESCENT GIRLS

Abstract

Child marriage deprives adolescent girls of education, health and decision-making power, and Parbhani is among the most affected districts of Maharashtra. The present study assessed the effect of an education programme on the awareness and opinions of adolescent girls (14–18 years) about child marriage. A one-group pre-test and post-test design was adopted among 150 adolescent girls from Jamb, Indewadi and Asola villages of Parbhani district. The programme, delivered over about ten days in each village, combined discussions, posters, role play, rally, exhibition and handouts. Most girls were aged 14–16 years (70.67%), had studied up to high school (47.30%) and lived in joint (74.00%) and medium-sized (72.00%) families. After the programme, the mean score of opinions about the physical, psychological and social health impact of child marriage rose from 9.26 ± 1.94 to 14.97 ± 1.18 and the mean awareness score rose from 24.50 ± 3.11 to 35.73 ± 1.69 (both p<0.001). Awareness of the legal age of marriage increased from 64.0 to 98.6 per cent, and confidence to speak against child marriage from 49.3 to 92.0 per cent. Group discussions were rated the most effective medium (98.6%). The study concludes that a participatory education programme can substantially improve awareness and confidence among adolescent girls in rural areas, although a controlled design and follow-up are needed to confirm lasting effects.