In Bangladesh, more than 1,000 girls—85% of 1,200 participants—have been able to avoid child marriage and continue their education after receiving income-generating support from Save the Children. The programme, which includes providing goats for rearing, has allowed girls to generate independent incomes, reducing financial pressures that often push families to marry off daughters at an early age.
Bangladesh has the highest rate of child marriage in Asia, with nearly 42% of children married before 18 as of 2023, up from 30% in 2018. The percentage of children married before 15 also rose to over 8% in 2023. Against this backdrop, a 100-day campaign running from November 2025 to International Women’s Day 2026 mobilized communities, faith leaders, and organizations to advocate for ending child marriage globally.
The story of Amina*, from the rural district of Barishal, illustrates the programme’s impact. At 14, she faced marriage after her father’s death and had to leave school due to financial hardship. With two goats provided by Save the Children and participation in community awareness sessions, Amina was able to generate income, return to school, and even tutor younger children. By expanding her herd and selling one goat to pay for her entrance exam, she gained financial independence and educational opportunities that her older sisters never had.
Despite progress, approximately 12 million girls globally still marry each year, including two million before turning 15. Early marriage increases risks of adolescent pregnancy, birth complications, and lifelong gender-based violence. Save the Children emphasizes that financial independence is a key tool for preventing child marriage, empowering girls, and enabling them to continue education.
Between 2022 and 2024, Save the Children provided income-generating support and ran awareness sessions on sexual and reproductive health, gender equality, and child rights in around 200 secondary schools in Barishal, Gaibandha, and Dhaka, reaching over 65,000 adolescents, mostly girls. The organisation also works with partner groups like Breaking the Silence to educate children in early childcare centers and supports child- and adult-led community initiatives to prevent child marriage.
With more than 50 years of experience in Bangladesh, Save the Children continues to collaborate with the government, civil society, and businesses to respond to emergencies, deliver development programmes, and ensure that children’s voices are heard in efforts to secure safer, healthier, and more equitable futures.
