Football programs across India are becoming powerful tools in the fight against child marriage, particularly in rural communities where the practice remains prevalent. By engaging young girls in sports, these initiatives build confidence, provide education about their rights, and create supportive networks that help them resist family pressure.
The BBC reports that these football programs not only teach athletic skills but also life lessons about equality and self-determination, giving girls the courage to pursue education and careers instead of early marriages. Community involvement and awareness campaigns have been crucial to changing traditional mindsets around gender roles and child marriage.