Football programs across India are emerging as an unexpected but effective solution to combat child marriages. These initiatives offer young girls education, self-confidence, and pathways to independence that traditional arranged marriages cannot provide.
By engaging girls in sports, organizations are not only keeping them in school but also challenging cultural norms that prioritize early marriage over education. The BBC reports that these programs are making significant strides in communities where child marriage remains prevalent, giving girls a voice and a future beyond early marriage.