Breaking the Cycle: Kamala and Saraswati's Journey from Tradition to Transformation

Early marriage was simply a part of life for Kamala Khadka. She herself was married at just 11 years old to a boy barely four years older. Growing up, she never questioned the practice—it was considered normal in her community. So, when her 15-year-old daughter Saraswati upset her, Kamala’s go-to threat was always the same: "I’ll marry you off and let you face what marriage brings."

Those words stung deeply. "It hurt me every time she said that" Saraswati recalled with sadness.

Everything changed when Kamala joined the Rupantaran parent’s sessions under the Empowered Women, Prosperous Nepal (EWPN) initiative, facilitated by UNICEF. This program was designed for parents of students attending Rupantaran sessions in schools to discuss and reflect on issues affecting young girls, including the struggles of early marriage.

During these sessions, Kamala learned from facilitators and other parents that child marriage not only violates the law but can have devastating consequences. For the first time, she connected the hardships she had endured in her own life to early marriage.

"I lost my husband when I was very young and had to raise three children on my own. If I had been educated, I could have earned enough to support my family, but marriage robbed me of that chance. Instead, I was burdened with household chores and faced immense mental stress," shared Kamala. "Now I realize that marrying Saraswati off won’t solve problems, it will only ruin her future. Considering the facts, I’ve stopped pushing for early marriage and want better for her."

Meanwhile, Saraswati, now in Grade 9, regularly attends the Rupantaran sessions. These sessions teach students about the harms of early marriage, equality, and mutual respect among peers. "One day, I want to become a teacher and conduct Rupantaran sessions just like this to raise awareness about early marriage," says Saraswati.

The mother and daughter both now share conversations about what they learn from their respective sessions, deepening their bond and reshaping their outlook on life.

Child marriage continues to be practiced in various parts of Nepal, robbing children—especially girls—of their rights, education, and future opportunities. To combat this harmful tradition, the Empowered Women, Prosperous Nepal (EWPN) programme, a joint effort by the Government of Nepal, the European Union, and the United Nations, is supporting Rupantaran parent’s sessions and Rupantaran life skills sessions across the 

across multiple municipalities in the Karnali, Sudurpaschim, and Madhesh provinces.

The initiative not only raises awareness about key social issues but also aims to equip school dropouts with skill development training through programs led by UN Women and ILO.