Initiative for Married Adolescent Girls Empowerment in Karnataka (IMAGE K)

Child marriage is defined as a marriage of an individual (girl or boy) before reaching the pronounced eligible age. Children in this age group are immature or not mature enough to enter into the overwhelming idea of marriage. Neither their psyche nor the body is ready to take up the burden of the union of marriage. Most global organizations like UNICEF define a child as an individual who is yet to attain the age of 18 years (as per the 1989 United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child). Child marriage refers to both formal and informal union of children where they live with their partner as if married. Child marriage is often associated with multiple health risks. This is because young brides have limited access to and use of contraception and reproductive health services and information. The majority are exposed to early and frequent sexual relations and repeated pregnancies and childbirth before they are physically mature and psychologically ready. Obstetric fistula is one of the most devastating consequences.

The project Initiative for Married Adolescent Girls Empowerment in Karnataka focuses on their health rights, access to education, nutritional care, sexual and reproductive health rights, and social security by promoting livelihood opportunities and addressing gender-based violence. Empowering girls in their marriage will plant the seed for prevention as well. Married girls, aware of their child rights and their human rights, will become aware of the need for alternative strategies for their daughters.

We help in imparting need-based awareness, training, and capacity building in order to ascertain their rights and to work for their social and economic development is the principal activity of the organization. Evidence shows that Child marriage makes girls more vulnerable to violence, abuse, and exploitation. It is often associated with multiple health risks. The majority are exposed to early and frequent sexual relations and to repeated pregnancies and childbirth before they are physically mature and psychologically ready. It leads to several miscarriages too. Lack of nutritious food & livelihood requirements because of poor family background. We wish to empower them with livelihood support.