Asia Child Marriage Initiative: Summary of research in Bangladesh India and Nepal.

The Plan Asia Regional Office invited ICRW to carry out a three-country study in Bangladesh India and Nepal to inform its programming to prevent child marriage among girls. ICRW gathered qualitative data in each country from girls and boys parents community leaders and government officials. This report highlights these stakeholders perceptions of the causes and consequences of child marriage and their views about the effectiveness of prevention strategies adopted by Plan other NGOs and the government. In particular the study examines: Education patterns and changing trends among girls and boys; Aspirations of young persons and parents; Perceptions of the importance of marriage; Decision-making and child rights; Knowledge about and adherence to marriage laws. The report concludes with timely program policy and research recommendations that are relevant not only in South Asia but in other regions where child marriage is a major health development and human rights issue.