It has been six years since the completion of Her Choice, a collaborative initiative led by four Netherlands-based organisations – including ICDI- working with local grassroot implementers to build child marriage-free societies. Implemented across Pakistan, Nepal, Sierra Leone, Ethiopia, and Bangladesh, the programme was guided by a clear long-term vision:
girls are free to decide if, when, and whom they marry.
In recent weeks, a significant milestone has been achieved in the fight against child marriage with the passing of The Child Marriage Restraint (Amendment) Bill 2026 in Punjab. This landmark legislation reinforces a powerful and long-standing truth: girls deserve childhood, education, and opportunity – not early marriage.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Bedari, our Pakistani partner, for their pivotal role in advancing this critical agenda. Their commitment continues to drive meaningful change for girls and communities.
Sustained Impact in Lahore
Speaking recently with colleagues in Pakistan, Irum Fatima highlighted the lasting impact of Her Choice.
The impact of the Child Marriage Free Community project in Lahore stands as a testament to what sustained, community-driven efforts can achieve. Even years after the project’s completion, its core systems remain active and effective.
Community awareness initiatives, referral mechanisms, and stakeholder engagement structures continue to remain active. Teachers, local leaders, and community members are still ardently working to prevent child marriage, demonstrating true ownership and long-term sustainability of the initiative.
One inspiring example is Ms. Rahlia Shah, a former government school principal from Ravi Town. Even after her retirement, she remains involved in social work, advocating against child marriage and promoting the economic empowerment of women and girls. Her continued dedication reflects the enduring influence of the project and the strength of local leadership.
The Journey of Change
Irum also shared an inspiring story from the project:
One of the most inspiring outcomes of the project is the story of three young girls whose lives changed through a simple yet powerful intervention bicycles.
These girls were in grade 7 when Bedari provided them with bicycles. At that time, mobility was a major barrier to their education, and they were at risk of dropping out and early marriage due to cultural and safety constraints.
With access to bicycles, their lives transformed. They continued their education with confidence and independence, eventually completing their university studies. Today, they are engaged in different professions and living empowered lives.
Now married, they are playing positive roles within their families and are committed to raising their children—especially daughters—with values of education, independence, and empowerment.
Ripple Effect
Their transformation has influenced their families and community:
- Increased support for girls’ education
- Greater acceptance of girls’ mobility
- Improved understanding of delaying marriage
These young women are no longer just beneficiaries, they are agents of change, contributing to a more empowered and aware generation.”
Academic Achievements
Last week we also celebrated another achievement relating to our research and advocacy work concerning Child Marriage. On 28th April 2028 in University of Amsterdam, Rashmila Shakya (formally of CWIN, Nepal) successfully defended her PhD thesis titled: ‘Intersecting Masculinities and Early Marriage in the Margins of Terai/Madhesh, Nepal’. This research, which brought a unique male perspective to child marriage was supported by the Dutch Ministry for Foreign Affairs and was part of the Her Choice Programme.
We extend our warmest congratulations to Rashmila on this wonderful achievement!
Looking Ahead
Despite this progress, child marriage continues to prevail, affecting an estimated 650 million children across the globe. While the Sustainable Development Goals set a target to eliminate child marriage by 2030, current trends indicate that the world is not on track to meet this goal.
We must continue advocating, engaging with communities and investing in girls’ rights to accelerate progress and ensure that every girl has the freedom to choose her own future.
