KOZHIKODE: The Malappuram district child protection unit (DCPU) has come up with an anti-child marriage campaign with a focus on teenage boys.
The step as a part of the long-vision campaign is under the impression that the coming generation, especially would be bridegrooms, should first say no to such marriages.
The programme, Let Her Fly, is a three-day street play which would be staged extensively at higher secondary schools from October 19.
"Targeting boys is a well-thought-out strategy," explains Samir Machingal, district child protection officer.
"A majority of child brides in the district are studying in higher secondary schools. Among boys also, the marriage age is early.
So, these higher secondary school boys are the prospective bridegrooms within 4 to 8 years. It is pertinent to make them say a firm no to marriages where the bride is under-18."
According to latest figures, 184 child marriages had been prevented in the state this year till July. Malappuram alone had received 130 complaints and stopped 121 of them by the timely intervention of authorities and court.
DCPU had identified vulnerable areas through mapping including Nilambur, Tirur and coastal belt.
The 20-minute play by the MSW students of SNDP College, Perinthalmanna, would have three venues on the first day at higher secondary schools schools in Perinthalmanna, Thazhekode, and on the Perinthalmanna Mini Civil Station premises.
It would also have shows at venues other than schools.
