United for Change: Faith Leaders from 9 Religions Join Forces to End Child Marriage

In a significant move to tackle child marriage, faith leaders from nine religions came together in New Delhi for a dialogue aimed at creating a Child Marriage-Free India. Representing Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism, Christianity, Buddhism, Baha'i, Jainism, Judaism, and Zoroastrianism, the seventeen leaders stressed that their religions do not condone child marriage.

The dialogue, organized by India Child Protection, a partner of the Child Marriage Free India Campaign, aimed to leverage the influential role faith leaders play in shaping social norms. It comes amid ongoing challenges where religion is misused to justify child marriage.

Bhuwan Ribhu, Founder of Child Marriage Free India, emphasized the need for collective action. "Eradicating child marriage requires all of society to join forces," he said. "Children deserve equal protection under the law, regardless of religion."

The Child Marriage Free India Campaign uses various methods to prevent child marriages, including public awareness campaigns, village pledges, legal interventions, and now, dialogues with faith leaders. They have already conducted awareness programs in religious places and pledge ceremonies with religious officials.

Dispelling misconceptions, Dr. M. Iqbal Siddiqui of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind clarified, "Islam emphasizes consent, which cannot come from a child." Maulana Mohammad Ajazur Rahman Shaheen Qasmi echoed this sentiment.

Extending solidarity, Goswami Sushil Ji Maharaj, National Convenor of Bhartiya Sarv Dharm Sansad, said, "Child marriage is a universal issue, and faith leaders must unite to end it."

Rev. Dr. Mathew Koickal, Deputy Secretary General of CBCI, recounted a personal story highlighting the devastation of child marriage. Acharya Vivek Muni Ji Maharaj, representing Jainism, stressed the importance of education in ending the practice.

Other faith leaders present echoed similar thoughts, resolving to spread awareness and promote education within their communities.

The dialogue concluded with a promise for a Child Marriage-Free India.