Md. Salim: Championing Child Marriage Prevention in His Community

Shamima Sultana

16 Jan, 2025

Md. Salim, a dedicated youth leader, currently plays a pivotal role in a local organization dedicated to combating child marriage. His journey towards this noble cause began when he actively volunteered with Johns Hopkins activities as a youth leader. His unwavering commitment to child marriage prevention and community empowerment has made him an exemplary figure in his community. Johns Hopkins, recognizing the potential in youth leaders like Salim, organized capacity-building training sessions for service providers, youth, and adolescents. These sessions aimed to equip participants with the skills and knowledge required to effectively prevent child marriages and provide support to adolescents at risk. Salim was one of the 22 youths who participated in the Capacity Building Training on Child Marriage Prevention and Protection under the "Durniba" project, supported by UNICEF Bangladesh. Before this training, Salim was involved in various youth clubs, where he discussed issues like Eve teasing and child marriage prevention. However, it was the training from Johns Hopkins that profoundly impacted his perspective and inspired him to take concrete actions within his community. The training utilized a comprehensive approach, combining audio-visual materials, real-life experiences, and interactive educational activities. These elements helped Salim grasp the severity of the child marriage issue and reinforced his determination to make a difference in his own community. With newfound knowledge and conviction, Salim embarked on his mission to raise awareness about child marriage prevention and protection. He tirelessly engaged with community members, till now reaching out to more than 5000 individuals. Challenges did arise, with people questioning his motives and authority to interfere in personal matters. However, Salim confidently responded by sharing the invaluable insights he had gained from the Johns Hopkins training. Salim's dedication did not stop at community engagement. He took proactive steps within his own family, preventing the marriage of his under-aged cousin. When his 15-year-old cousin tearfully expressed her desire to continue her education instead of getting married, Salim intervened. He had heartfelt discussions with his grandparents, explaining the harmful consequences of underage marriages. His grandmother, who herself had suffered the consequences of child marriage, understood the gravity of the situation. She realized how early marriages can lead to physical and mental health challenges, even risking the lives of mothers and infants. As a result of Salim's intervention, his cousin's marriage was halted. Gratefully, she acknowledged the positive impact of her brother's actions and encouraged him to continue his efforts to prevent other girls from falling victim to child marriage. Salim's resolve remained unshaken as he pledged to persist in his mission, even if Johns Hopkins ceased its activities. Md. Salim's story is a testament to the transformative power of education and awareness. He has not only prevented a child marriage within his family but has also become a beacon of hope for countless others in his community. His dedication to the cause of child marriage prevention is a shining example of how a single individual can make a profound difference in the lives of many.