Collective pledge strengthens campaign for ‘Childhood Free from Marriage’ in Nepal

Kathmandu, June 1: Artists, athletes, entrepreneurs and media professionals have collectively pledged support to the ‘Childhood Free from Marriage’ campaign aimed at ending child marriage in Nepal.

At a programme organised on Sunday by the Women Service Institute (WSI) Nepal with support from Plan International Nepal, participants from diverse fields expressed commitment to use their platforms to raise awareness against child marriage and support its eradication. Child marriage is a punishable offence under Nepali law.

Artists including Jitu Nepal, Shiva Shankar Rijal, Laxmi Nepali, Aastha Raut and Sadikshya Nepal, along with athlete Taradevi Pun, media professionals Anita Bindu and Prakash Silwal, and psychological counsellor Jamuna Sharma, endorsed the campaign.

Speaking at the event, Acting National Director of Plan International Nepal Srijana Gurung stressed the importance of active engagement from both institutions and individuals for meaningful progress. WSI Nepal President Bhawana Bhatta said the legal minimum marriage age of 20 years should be maintained without change.

The programme also featured creative presentations, videos and live artwork promoting awareness on ending child marriage.

Nepal’s Constitution guarantees protection of children from forced marriage, while the National Penal Code (2017) defines marriage below 20 years as a punishable offence. The country has also committed to ending child marriage by 2030 under its child rights goals.