Reducing Child Marriage in India: A Model to Scale Up Results

This desk-based study aimed to develop a model for scaling up interventions to accelerate reduction of child marriage. It analysed the data regarding education, marital status of children (married, separated, divorced) and status of child marriage in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh (undivided) and West Bengal. A review of existing schemes that target reduction in child marriage was also mapped, along with initiatives by non-government organisations. It also reviewed relationships that different known drivers of child marriage have, and how they respond to each other. A theory of change, based on the review, and a model to scale up was developed to provide alternative pathways in varied situations, taking cost and institutional arrangements into account. The model also spelled out various tools that officials at different levels could utilise to reduce child marriage instances.