Bardiya, Nepal – Unlike many of her peers, Bali has never been enamored by singing and dancing; instead, her passion lies with cars, and she dreams of the exhilarating freedom that comes from gripping the steering wheel and leaving behind the confines of her village. Unfortunately, her aspirations took a dark turn on her sixth birthday when her parents sold her into servitude.
For five arduous years, Bali endured a life of drudgery, performing household chores, tending to fields, and scrubbing dishes for a family of a higher caste. This caste system, entrenched in South Asia for centuries, continues to foster discrimination despite the presence of modern legislation. In exchange for their daughter’s servitude, Bali’s parents were allowed to rent land in Bardiya district, approximately 540 km west of Kathmandu, where they cultivated produce, sharing profits with the landlord.
At the age of 13, Bali entered into marriage with a man six years her senior. A year later, she became a mother. Now, at 32, outside her modest one-room home in Bardiya, she expresses her fervent desire for her 17-year-old daughter to prioritize education over early marriage. Bali hopes to shield her daughter from the same fate that befell her.
Activists advocating for women’s rights in Nepal are increasingly concerned that proposed legislative changes to lower the legal marriage age from 20 to 18 could jeopardize the progress made in combatting child marriage. In an effort to eradicate this practice by 2030, Nepal raised the minimum marriage age to 20 in 2017, aiming to furnish young women with the opportunity to complete their education and make informed life choices. Under the previous law, violators faced jail time and hefty fines, signaling a commitment to fostering gender equality.
However, the January 2025 parliamentary sub-committee recommendations to lower the marriage age have ignited a national dialogue. Proponents contend this would alleviate the burden of imprisonment on men marrying out of love, while opponents, including human rights organizations and women advocacy groups, assert the shift prioritizes male interests over women’s rights.
Despite child marriage being illegal since 1963, it remains prevalent, especially in rural regions where 78 percent of Nepal’s population resides. According to UNICEF, over 5 million child brides inhabit the country, with 37 percent of women under 30 married before their 18th birthday. Global efforts to address child marriage reveal a complex tapestry of cultural norms and economic realities behind this issue, particularly in South Asia, where traditional customs shape societal behavior.
While there has been a decline in child marriage rates in Nepal over the past decade, the reduction has been sluggish compared to the overall trends in South Asia. Nonetheless, grassroots organizations like Plan International and Banke Unesco are working diligently to combat this issue. Thanks to their initiatives, the child marriage rate in some districts has plummeted from 58 percent to 22 percent since 2015, showing promise for future generations.
Bali’s journey has taken a hopeful turn through vocational training in driving heavy-goods vehicles. This newfound skill has not only provided her with a source of income but also instilled a sense of pride and agency in a traditionally male-dominated field. Her success serves as an inspiration for women in her community, demonstrating the possibilities that arise when barriers are overcome.
Emerging voices across Nepal, particularly among youth, are championing the fight against child marriage. Advocates like 17-year-old Swostika are fostering dialogue and education within their communities, inspiring resilience and courage despite significant challenges. As the tides of change begin to shift, there remains a collective hope that the next generation will not endure the same hardships.
With continued advocacy and community support, there shines a glimmer of hope for a future free from child marriage in Nepal. Efforts to prioritize education and empower young girls are set to redefine societal norms and pave the way for a brighter, more equitable tomorrow.
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