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Too Young to Wed - India

73 images Created 8 Apr 2015

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  • iPhone portrait of Laali Bairwa, 15, in a village outside of Tonk, Rajasthan, India, April 3, 2013. "My circumstances were such that my mother had passed away and there was no one to do the work. So I complied and thought, 'Alright I will not study, my life is ruined.' Then I went to my father in tears saying, 'Please, I will do the work and study  at the same time.' I said to my father, ‘Do not get me married. I do not want to marry. I want to study. If you want to educate me, then do it, or I will study on my own.’ If I can say no to my father, then even you can say no,” said Bairwa. <br />
<br />
Under Indian law, children younger than 18 cannot marry. Yet in a number of India’s states, at least half of all girls are married before they turn 18, according to statistics gathered in 2012 by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). However, young girls in the Indian state of Rajasthan—and even a few boys—are getting some help in combatting child marriage. In villages throughout Tonk, Jaipur and Banswara districts, the Center for Unfolding Learning Potential, or CULP, uses its Pehchan Project to reach out to girls, generally between the ages of 9 and 14, who either left school early or never went at all. The education and confidence-building CULP offers have empowered youngsters to refuse forced marriages in favor of continuing their studies, and the nongovernmental organization has provided them with resources and advocates in their fight.
    SS20130403Too Young to Wed - India21.JPG
  • iPhone portrait of Laali Bairwa, 15, in a village outside of Tonk, Rajasthan, India, April 3, 2013. "My circumstances were such that my mother had passed away and there was no one to do the work. So I complied and thought, 'Alright I will not study, my life is ruined.' Then I went to my father in tears saying, 'Please, I will do the work and study  at the same time.' I said to my father, ‘Do not get me married. I do not want to marry. I want to study. If you want to educate me, then do it, or I will study on my own.’ If I can say no to my father, then even you can say no,” said Bairwa. <br />
<br />
Under Indian law, children younger than 18 cannot marry. Yet in a number of India’s states, at least half of all girls are married before they turn 18, according to statistics gathered in 2012 by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). However, young girls in the Indian state of Rajasthan—and even a few boys—are getting some help in combatting child marriage. In villages throughout Tonk, Jaipur and Banswara districts, the Center for Unfolding Learning Potential, or CULP, uses its Pehchan Project to reach out to girls, generally between the ages of 9 and 14, who either left school early or never went at all. The education and confidence-building CULP offers have empowered youngsters to refuse forced marriages in favor of continuing their studies, and the nongovernmental organization has provided them with resources and advocates in their fight.
    SS20130403Too Young to Wed - India22.JPG
  • iPhone portrait of Laali Bairwa, 15, in a village outside of Tonk, Rajasthan, India, April 3, 2013. "My circumstances were such that my mother had passed away and there was no one to do the work. So I complied and thought, 'Alright I will not study, my life is ruined.' Then I went to my father in tears saying, 'Please, I will do the work and study  at the same time.' I said to my father, ‘Do not get me married. I do not want to marry. I want to study. If you want to educate me, then do it, or I will study on my own.’ If I can say no to my father, then even you can say no,” said Bairwa. <br />
<br />
Under Indian law, children younger than 18 cannot marry. Yet in a number of India’s states, at least half of all girls are married before they turn 18, according to statistics gathered in 2012 by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). However, young girls in the Indian state of Rajasthan—and even a few boys—are getting some help in combatting child marriage. In villages throughout Tonk, Jaipur and Banswara districts, the Center for Unfolding Learning Potential, or CULP, uses its Pehchan Project to reach out to girls, generally between the ages of 9 and 14, who either left school early or never went at all. The education and confidence-building CULP offers have empowered youngsters to refuse forced marriages in favor of continuing their studies, and the nongovernmental organization has provided them with resources and advocates in their fight.
    SS20130403Too Young to Wed - India23.JPG
  • iPhone portrait of Laali Bairwa, 15, in a village outside of Tonk, Rajasthan, India, April 3, 2013. "My circumstances were such that my mother had passed away and there was no one to do the work. So I complied and thought, 'Alright I will not study, my life is ruined.' Then I went to my father in tears saying, 'Please, I will do the work and study  at the same time.' I said to my father, ‘Do not get me married. I do not want to marry. I want to study. If you want to educate me, then do it, or I will study on my own.’ If I can say no to my father, then even you can say no,” said Bairwa. <br />
<br />
Under Indian law, children younger than 18 cannot marry. Yet in a number of India’s states, at least half of all girls are married before they turn 18, according to statistics gathered in 2012 by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). However, young girls in the Indian state of Rajasthan—and even a few boys—are getting some help in combatting child marriage. In villages throughout Tonk, Jaipur and Banswara districts, the Center for Unfolding Learning Potential, or CULP, uses its Pehchan Project to reach out to girls, generally between the ages of 9 and 14, who either left school early or never went at all. The education and confidence-building CULP offers have empowered youngsters to refuse forced marriages in favor of continuing their studies, and the nongovernmental organization has provided them with resources and advocates in their fight.
    SS20130403Too Young to Wed - India25.JPG
  • iPhone portrait of Laali Bairwa, 15, in a village outside of Tonk, Rajasthan, India, April 3, 2013. "My circumstances were such that my mother had passed away and there was no one to do the work. So I complied and thought, 'Alright I will not study, my life is ruined.' Then I went to my father in tears saying, 'Please, I will do the work and study  at the same time.' I said to my father, ‘Do not get me married. I do not want to marry. I want to study. If you want to educate me, then do it, or I will study on my own.’ If I can say no to my father, then even you can say no,” said Bairwa. <br />
<br />
Under Indian law, children younger than 18 cannot marry. Yet in a number of India’s states, at least half of all girls are married before they turn 18, according to statistics gathered in 2012 by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). However, young girls in the Indian state of Rajasthan—and even a few boys—are getting some help in combatting child marriage. In villages throughout Tonk, Jaipur and Banswara districts, the Center for Unfolding Learning Potential, or CULP, uses its Pehchan Project to reach out to girls, generally between the ages of 9 and 14, who either left school early or never went at all. The education and confidence-building CULP offers have empowered youngsters to refuse forced marriages in favor of continuing their studies, and the nongovernmental organization has provided them with resources and advocates in their fight.
    SS20130403Too Young to Wed - India24.JPG
  • iPhone portrait of Laali Bairwa, 15, in a village outside of Tonk, Rajasthan, India, April 3, 2013. "My circumstances were such that my mother had passed away and there was no one to do the work. So I complied and thought, 'Alright I will not study, my life is ruined.' Then I went to my father in tears saying, 'Please, I will do the work and study  at the same time.' I said to my father, ‘Do not get me married. I do not want to marry. I want to study. If you want to educate me, then do it, or I will study on my own.’ If I can say no to my father, then even you can say no,” said Bairwa. <br />
<br />
Under Indian law, children younger than 18 cannot marry. Yet in a number of India’s states, at least half of all girls are married before they turn 18, according to statistics gathered in 2012 by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). However, young girls in the Indian state of Rajasthan—and even a few boys—are getting some help in combatting child marriage. In villages throughout Tonk, Jaipur and Banswara districts, the Center for Unfolding Learning Potential, or CULP, uses its Pehchan Project to reach out to girls, generally between the ages of 9 and 14, who either left school early or never went at all. The education and confidence-building CULP offers have empowered youngsters to refuse forced marriages in favor of continuing their studies, and the nongovernmental organization has provided them with resources and advocates in their fight.
    SS20130403Too Young to Wed - India26.JPG
  • iPhone portrait of Keshanta Gujar, 16, in a village outside of Tonk, Rajasthan, India, April 3, 2013. "To my colleagues and other girls I want to say that you too must study. I think that even kids can say no to their parents for marriage," said Gujar. <br />
 <br />
Under Indian law, children younger than 18 cannot marry. Yet in a number of India’s states, at least half of all girls are married before they turn 18, according to statistics gathered in 2012 by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). However, young girls in the Indian state of Rajasthan—and even a few boys—are getting some help in combatting child marriage. In villages throughout Tonk, Jaipur and Banswara districts, the Center for Unfolding Learning Potential, or CULP, uses its Pehchan Project to reach out to girls, generally between the ages of 9 and 14, who either left school early or never went at all. The education and confidence-building CULP offers have empowered youngsters to refuse forced marriages in favor of continuing their studies, and the nongovernmental organization has provided them with resources and advocates in their fight.
    SS20130403Too Young to Wed - India31.JPG
  • iPhone portrait of Keshanta Gujar, 16, in a village outside of Tonk, Rajasthan, India, April 3, 2013. "To my colleagues and other girls I want to say that you too must study. I think that even kids can say no to their parents for marriage," said Gujar. <br />
 <br />
Under Indian law, children younger than 18 cannot marry. Yet in a number of India’s states, at least half of all girls are married before they turn 18, according to statistics gathered in 2012 by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). However, young girls in the Indian state of Rajasthan—and even a few boys—are getting some help in combatting child marriage. In villages throughout Tonk, Jaipur and Banswara districts, the Center for Unfolding Learning Potential, or CULP, uses its Pehchan Project to reach out to girls, generally between the ages of 9 and 14, who either left school early or never went at all. The education and confidence-building CULP offers have empowered youngsters to refuse forced marriages in favor of continuing their studies, and the nongovernmental organization has provided them with resources and advocates in their fight.
    SS20130403Too Young to Wed - India32.JPG
  • iPhone portrait of Keshanta Gujar, 16, in a village outside of Tonk, Rajasthan, India, April 3, 2013. "To my colleagues and other girls I want to say that you too must study. I think that even kids can say no to their parents for marriage," said Gujar. <br />
 <br />
Under Indian law, children younger than 18 cannot marry. Yet in a number of India’s states, at least half of all girls are married before they turn 18, according to statistics gathered in 2012 by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). However, young girls in the Indian state of Rajasthan—and even a few boys—are getting some help in combatting child marriage. In villages throughout Tonk, Jaipur and Banswara districts, the Center for Unfolding Learning Potential, or CULP, uses its Pehchan Project to reach out to girls, generally between the ages of 9 and 14, who either left school early or never went at all. The education and confidence-building CULP offers have empowered youngsters to refuse forced marriages in favor of continuing their studies, and the nongovernmental organization has provided them with resources and advocates in their fight.
    SS20130403Too Young to Wed - India33.JPG
  • iPhone portrait of Keshanta Gujar, 16, in a village outside of Tonk, Rajasthan, India, April 3, 2013. "To my colleagues and other girls I want to say that you too must study. I think that even kids can say no to their parents for marriage," said Gujar. <br />
 <br />
Under Indian law, children younger than 18 cannot marry. Yet in a number of India’s states, at least half of all girls are married before they turn 18, according to statistics gathered in 2012 by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). However, young girls in the Indian state of Rajasthan—and even a few boys—are getting some help in combatting child marriage. In villages throughout Tonk, Jaipur and Banswara districts, the Center for Unfolding Learning Potential, or CULP, uses its Pehchan Project to reach out to girls, generally between the ages of 9 and 14, who either left school early or never went at all. The education and confidence-building CULP offers have empowered youngsters to refuse forced marriages in favor of continuing their studies, and the nongovernmental organization has provided them with resources and advocates in their fight.
    SS20130403Too Young to Wed - India34.JPG
  • iPhone portrait of Rajyanti Bairwa, 17, in a village outside of Tonk, Rajasthan, India, April 3, 2013. "I came to school and told the girls 'I am about to get married' and asked the girls go to my parents and tell them not to let the marriage happen. With their help, I refused the marriage because I want to study and be something. In life I want to be a doctor," said Bairwa.<br />
<br />
Under Indian law, children younger than 18 cannot marry. Yet in a number of India’s states, at least half of all girls are married before they turn 18, according to statistics gathered in 2012 by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). However, young girls in the Indian state of Rajasthan—and even a few boys—are getting some help in combatting child marriage. In villages throughout Tonk, Jaipur and Banswara districts, the Center for Unfolding Learning Potential, or CULP, uses its Pehchan Project to reach out to girls, generally between the ages of 9 and 14, who either left school early or never went at all. The education and confidence-building CULP offers have empowered young people to refuse forced marriages in favor of continuing their studies, and the nongovernmental organization has provided them with resources and advocates in their fight.
    SS20130403Too Young to Wed - India60.JPG
  • iPhone portrait of Rajyanti Bairwa, 17, in a village outside of Tonk, Rajasthan, India, April 3, 2013. "I came to school and told the girls 'I am about to get married' and asked the girls go to my parents and tell them not to let the marriage happen. With their help, I refused the marriage because I want to study and be something. In life I want to be a doctor," said Bairwa.<br />
<br />
Under Indian law, children younger than 18 cannot marry. Yet in a number of India’s states, at least half of all girls are married before they turn 18, according to statistics gathered in 2012 by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). However, young girls in the Indian state of Rajasthan—and even a few boys—are getting some help in combatting child marriage. In villages throughout Tonk, Jaipur and Banswara districts, the Center for Unfolding Learning Potential, or CULP, uses its Pehchan Project to reach out to girls, generally between the ages of 9 and 14, who either left school early or never went at all. The education and confidence-building CULP offers have empowered young people to refuse forced marriages in favor of continuing their studies, and the nongovernmental organization has provided them with resources and advocates in their fight.
    SS20130403Too Young to Wed - India61.JPG
  • Girls from villages throughout Tonk, Jaipur and Banswara districts participate in the Center for Unfolding Learning Potential's (CULP) Pehchan Project in the Indian state of Rajasthan, April 3, 2013. Under Indian law, children younger than 18 cannot marry. Yet in a number of India’s states, at least half of all girls are married before they turn 18, according to statistics gathered in 2012 by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). However, young girls in the Indian state of Rajasthan—and even a few boys—are getting some help in combatting child marriage from the Center for Unfolding Learning Potential, or CULP, which uses its Pehchan Project to reach out to girls, generally between the ages of 9 and 14, who either left school early or never went at all. The education and confidence-building CULP offers have empowered young people to refuse forced marriages in favor of continuing their studies, and the nongovernmental organization has provided them with resources and advocates in their fight.
    SS20130403Too Young to Wed - India62.JPG
  • iPhone portrait of Jyoti Bairwa, 12, who refused her marriage after attending the Pehchan Project in Rajasthan, India, April 3, 2013. <br />
<br />
Under Indian law, children younger than 18 cannot marry. Yet in a number of India’s states, at least half of all girls are married before they turn 18, according to statistics gathered in 2012 by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). However, young girls in the Indian state of Rajasthan—and even a few boys—are getting some help in combatting child marriage. In villages throughout Tonk, Jaipur and Banswara districts, the Center for Unfolding Learning Potential, or CULP, uses its Pehchan Project to reach out to girls, generally between the ages of 9 and 14, who either left school early or never went at all. The education and confidence-building CULP offers have empowered young people to refuse forced marriages in favor of continuing their studies, and the nongovernmental organization has provided them with resources and advocates in their fight.
    SS20130403Too Young to Wed - India64.JPG
  • iPhone portrait of Gita Bairwa, 18, in a village outside of Tonk, Rajasthan, India, April 3, 2013. "I refused my marriage. I would have had to go to the in-laws and have kids, so that is why I insisted that I would continue my studies. I want to tell girls, 'Don’t get married at a young age,''" said Bairwa. <br />
<br />
Under Indian law, children younger than 18 cannot marry. Yet in a number of India’s states, at least half of all girls are married before they turn 18, according to statistics gathered in 2012 by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). However, young girls in the Indian state of Rajasthan—and even a few boys—are getting some help in combatting child marriage. In villages throughout Tonk, Jaipur and Banswara districts, the Center for Unfolding Learning Potential, or CULP, uses its Pehchan Project to reach out to girls, generally between the ages of 9 and 14, who either left school early or never went at all. The education and confidence-building CULP offers have empowered young people to refuse forced marriages in favor of continuing their studies, and the nongovernmental organization has provided them with resources and advocates in their fight.
    SS20130403Too Young to Wed - India63.JPG
  • iPhone portrait of Sunita Bairwa, 18, in a village outside of Tonk, Rajasthan, India, April 3, 2013. "I told my father, ‘Papa don’t get me married, I will study.’ Dad said, ‘No I will get you married.’ Then the teacher went and talked to my father, scolded my father, and then my father understood somehow. He said, ‘OK, we’ll not get her married and we’ll listen to you.’ ” said Bairwa.<br />
<br />
Under Indian law, children younger than 18 cannot marry. Yet in a number of India’s states, at least half of all girls are married before they turn 18, according to statistics gathered in 2012 by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). However, young girls in the Indian state of Rajasthan—and even a few boys—are getting some help in combatting child marriage. In villages throughout Tonk, Jaipur and Banswara districts, the Center for Unfolding Learning Potential, or CULP, uses its Pehchan Project to reach out to girls, generally between the ages of 9 and 14, who either left school early or never went at all. The education and confidence-building CULP offers have empowered young people to refuse forced marriages in favor of continuing their studies, and the nongovernmental organization has provided them with resources and advocates in their fight.
    SS20130403Too Young to Wed - India65.JPG
  • iPhone portrait of Suman Bairwa, 14, who refused her marriage after attending the Pehchan Project in Rajasthan, India, April 3, 2013. Under Indian law, children younger than 18 cannot marry. Yet in a number of India’s states, at least half of all girls are married before they turn 18, according to statistics gathered in 2012 by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). However, young girls in the Indian state of Rajasthan—and even a few boys—are getting some help in combatting child marriage. In villages throughout Tonk, Jaipur and Banswara districts, the Center for Unfolding Learning Potential, or CULP, uses its Pehchan Project to reach out to girls, generally between the ages of 9 and 14, who either left school early or never went at all. The education and confidence-building CULP offers have empowered young people to refuse forced marriages in favor of continuing their studies, and the nongovernmental organization has provided them with resources and advocates in their fight.
    SS20130403Too Young to Wed - India67.JPG
  • iPhone portrait of Mamta Bairwa, 17, in a village of Rajasthan, India, April 3, 2013. "It becomes very sad to have children at a young age and not be able to take care of them. If I would get married at a young age then I would not be able to study. I would not be able to write. How would I handle the education of the children? With an education, one can achieve. With marriage at a young age we are unable to study, one gets no education. One remains illiterate. If marriage happens later, then one can look for an educated partner. And then marriage happens at the right time," said Bairwa.<br />
<br />
Under Indian law, children younger than 18 cannot marry. Yet in a number of India’s states, at least half of all girls are married before they turn 18, according to statistics gathered in 2012 by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). However, young girls in the Indian state of Rajasthan—and even a few boys—are getting some help in combatting child marriage. In villages throughout Tonk, Jaipur and Banswara districts, the Center for Unfolding Learning Potential, or CULP, uses its Pehchan Project to reach out to girls, generally between the ages of 9 and 14, who either left school early or never went at all. The education and confidence-building CULP offers have empowered young people to refuse forced marriages in favor of continuing their studies, and the nongovernmental organization has provided them with resources and advocates in their fight.
    SS20130403Too Young to Wed - India66.JPG
  • iPhone portrait of (L-R) Choti Bairwa, 15, and Jyoti Bairwa, 12, in a village of Rajasthan, India, April 3, 2013. "To other girls like me, I would like to say that don’t get married at a young age. Because it is harmful. It is harmful," said one girl.<br />
 <br />
Under Indian law, children younger than 18 cannot marry. Yet in a number of India’s states, at least half of all girls are married before they turn 18, according to statistics gathered in 2012 by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). However, young girls in the Indian state of Rajasthan—and even a few boys—are getting some help in combatting child marriage. In villages throughout Tonk, Jaipur and Banswara districts, the Center for Unfolding Learning Potential, or CULP, uses its Pehchan Project to reach out to girls, generally between the ages of 9 and 14, who either left school early or never went at all. The education and confidence-building CULP offers have empowered young people to refuse forced marriages in favor of continuing their studies, and the nongovernmental organization has provided them with resources and advocates in their fight.
    SS20130403Too Young to Wed - India70.JPG
  • iPhone photo of daily life in the villages outside of Banswara, Rajasthan, India, April 6, 2013. Under Indian law, children younger than 18 cannot marry. Yet in a number of India’s states, at least half of all girls are married before they turn 18, according to statistics gathered in 2012 by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). However, young girls in the Indian state of Rajasthan—and even a few boys—are getting some help in combatting child marriage. In villages throughout Tonk, Jaipur and Banswara districts, the Center for Unfolding Learning Potential, or CULP, uses its Pehchan Project to reach out to girls, generally between the ages of 9 and 14, who either left school early or never went at all. The education and confidence-building CULP offers have empowered young people to refuse forced marriages in favor of continuing their studies, and the nongovernmental organization has provided them with resources and advocates in their fight.
    SS20130405Too Young to Wed - India01.JPG
  • iPhone photo of daily life in the villages outside of Banswara, Rajasthan, India, April 5, 2013. Under Indian law, children younger than 18 cannot marry. Yet in a number of India’s states, at least half of all girls are married before they turn 18, according to statistics gathered in 2012 by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). However, young girls in the Indian state of Rajasthan—and even a few boys—are getting some help in combatting child marriage. In villages throughout Tonk, Jaipur and Banswara districts, the Center for Unfolding Learning Potential, or CULP, uses its Pehchan Project to reach out to girls, generally between the ages of 9 and 14, who either left school early or never went at all. The education and confidence-building CULP offers have empowered youngsters to refuse forced marriages in favor of continuing their studies, and the nongovernmental organization has provided them with resources and advocates in their fight.
    SS20130405Too Young to Wed - India02.JPG
  • iPhone portrait of Laalu Ram Ninama, 13.  "When the talks of my marriage began, I was 11 years old. I did not want to get married.  Children would be born, my life would be ruined. There is so much that I have not done yet! " Under Indian law, children younger than 18 cannot marry. Yet in a number of India’s states, at least half of all girls are married before they turn 18, according to statistics gathered in 2012 by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). However, young girls in the Indian state of Rajasthan—and even a few boys—are getting some help in combatting child marriage. In villages throughout Tonk, Jaipur and Banswara districts, the Center for Unfolding Learning Potential, or CULP, uses its Pehchan Project to reach out to girls, generally between the ages of 9 and 14, who either left school early or never went at all. The education and confidence-building CULP offers have empowered youngsters to refuse forced marriages in favor of continuing their studies, and the nongovernmental organization has provided them with resources and advocates in their fight.
    SS20130405Too Young to Wed - India20.JPG
  • iPhone portrait of (L-R) Sunil Kumar Katara, 12, and Laalu Ram Ninama, 13, in a village outside of Banswara, Rajasthan, India, April 5, 2013. "I am a little child now. If I were married and children were born, how would I take care of them if I am also still a child? If we were to get married at this age, neither of us could study or do anything. Life would be ruined. And now if we study and get a job, then we will be able to earn, eat and take care of our kids," said Katara. <br />
 <br />
Under Indian law, children younger than 18 cannot marry. Yet in a number of India’s states, at least half of all girls are married before they turn 18, according to statistics gathered in 2012 by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). However, young girls in the Indian state of Rajasthan—and even a few boys—are getting some help in combatting child marriage. In villages throughout Tonk, Jaipur and Banswara districts, the Center for Unfolding Learning Potential, or CULP, uses its Pehchan Project to reach out to girls, generally between the ages of 9 and 14, who either left school early or never went at all. The education and confidence-building CULP offers have empowered youngsters to refuse forced marriages in favor of continuing their studies, and the nongovernmental organization has provided them with resources and advocates in their fight.
    SS20130405Too Young to Wed - India35.JPG
  • iPhone portrait of (L-R) Sunil Kumar Katara, 12, and Laalu Ram Ninama, 13, in a village outside of Banswara, Rajasthan, India, April 5, 2013. "I am a little child now. If I were married and children were born, how would I take care of them if I am also still a child? If we were to get married at this age, neither of us could study or do anything. Life would be ruined. And now if we study and get a job, then we will be able to earn, eat and take care of our kids," said Katara. <br />
 <br />
Under Indian law, children younger than 18 cannot marry. Yet in a number of India’s states, at least half of all girls are married before they turn 18, according to statistics gathered in 2012 by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). However, young girls in the Indian state of Rajasthan—and even a few boys—are getting some help in combatting child marriage. In villages throughout Tonk, Jaipur and Banswara districts, the Center for Unfolding Learning Potential, or CULP, uses its Pehchan Project to reach out to girls, generally between the ages of 9 and 14, who either left school early or never went at all. The education and confidence-building CULP offers have empowered youngsters to refuse forced marriages in favor of continuing their studies, and the nongovernmental organization has provided them with resources and advocates in their fight.
    SS20130405Too Young to Wed - India36.JPG
  • iPhone portrait of Naaku Maayida, 15, in a village outside of Banswara, Rajasthan, India, April 5, 2013. "If I would get married it would not feel good. With marriage, children happen, I would have to do the home chores, I would have to fetch water. My parents were illiterate when they had kids," said Maayida.<br />
<br />
Under Indian law, children younger than 18 cannot marry. Yet in a number of India’s states, at least half of all girls are married before they turn 18, according to statistics gathered in 2012 by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). However, young girls in the Indian state of Rajasthan—and even a few boys—are getting some help in combatting child marriage. In villages throughout Tonk, Jaipur and Banswara districts, the Center for Unfolding Learning Potential, or CULP, uses its Pehchan Project to reach out to girls, generally between the ages of 9 and 14, who either left school early or never went at all. The education and confidence-building CULP offers have empowered youngsters to refuse forced marriages in favor of continuing their studies, and the nongovernmental organization has provided them with resources and advocates in their fight.
    SS20130405Too Young to Wed - India41.JPG
  • iPhone portrait of Naaku Maayida, 15, in a village outside of Banswara, Rajasthan, India, April 5, 2013. "If I would get married it would not feel good. With marriage, children happen, I would have to do the home chores, I would have to fetch water. My parents were illiterate when they had kids," said Maayida.<br />
<br />
Under Indian law, children younger than 18 cannot marry. Yet in a number of India’s states, at least half of all girls are married before they turn 18, according to statistics gathered in 2012 by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). However, young girls in the Indian state of Rajasthan—and even a few boys—are getting some help in combatting child marriage. In villages throughout Tonk, Jaipur and Banswara districts, the Center for Unfolding Learning Potential, or CULP, uses its Pehchan Project to reach out to girls, generally between the ages of 9 and 14, who either left school early or never went at all. The education and confidence-building CULP offers have empowered youngsters to refuse forced marriages in favor of continuing their studies, and the nongovernmental organization has provided them with resources and advocates in their fight.
    SS20130405Too Young to Wed - India42.JPG
  • iPhone portrait of Naaku Maayida, 15, in a village outside of Banswara, Rajasthan, India, April 5, 2013. "If I would get married it would not feel good. With marriage, children happen, I would have to do the home chores, I would have to fetch water. My parents were illiterate when they had kids," said Maayida.<br />
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Under Indian law, children younger than 18 cannot marry. Yet in a number of India’s states, at least half of all girls are married before they turn 18, according to statistics gathered in 2012 by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). However, young girls in the Indian state of Rajasthan—and even a few boys—are getting some help in combatting child marriage. In villages throughout Tonk, Jaipur and Banswara districts, the Center for Unfolding Learning Potential, or CULP, uses its Pehchan Project to reach out to girls, generally between the ages of 9 and 14, who either left school early or never went at all. The education and confidence-building CULP offers have empowered youngsters to refuse forced marriages in favor of continuing their studies, and the nongovernmental organization has provided them with resources and advocates in their fight.
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  • iPhone portrait of Ashu Kumari, 12, in a village outside of Banswara, Rajasthan, India, April 5, 2013. "I would not feel good if I got married at a young age. I would not feel good having a child at a tender age. I would not feel good if my children were born while I am still a girl," said Kumari. <br />
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Under Indian law, children younger than 18 cannot marry. Yet in a number of India’s states, at least half of all girls are married before they turn 18, according to statistics gathered in 2012 by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). However, young girls in the Indian state of Rajasthan—and even a few boys—are getting some help in combatting child marriage. In villages throughout Tonk, Jaipur and Banswara districts, the Center for Unfolding Learning Potential, or CULP, uses its Pehchan Project to reach out to girls, generally between the ages of 9 and 14, who either left school early or never went at all. The education and confidence-building CULP offers have empowered youngsters to refuse forced marriages in favor of continuing their studies, and the nongovernmental organization has provided them with resources and advocates in their fight.
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  • iPhone portrait of Ashu Kumari, 12, in a village outside of Banswara, Rajasthan, India, April 5, 2013. "I would not feel good if I got married at a young age. I would not feel good having a child at a tender age. I would not feel good if my children were born while I am still a girl," said Kumari. <br />
 <br />
Under Indian law, children younger than 18 cannot marry. Yet in a number of India’s states, at least half of all girls are married before they turn 18, according to statistics gathered in 2012 by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). However, young girls in the Indian state of Rajasthan—and even a few boys—are getting some help in combatting child marriage. In villages throughout Tonk, Jaipur and Banswara districts, the Center for Unfolding Learning Potential, or CULP, uses its Pehchan Project to reach out to girls, generally between the ages of 9 and 14, who either left school early or never went at all. The education and confidence-building CULP offers have empowered youngsters to refuse forced marriages in favor of continuing their studies, and the nongovernmental organization has provided them with resources and advocates in their fight.
    SS20130405Too Young to Wed - India45.JPG
  • iPhone portrait of Ashu Kumari, 12, in a village outside of Banswara, Rajasthan, India, April 5, 2013. "I would not feel good if I got married at a young age. I would not feel good having a child at a tender age. I would not feel good if my children were born while I am still a girl," said Kumari. <br />
 <br />
Under Indian law, children younger than 18 cannot marry. Yet in a number of India’s states, at least half of all girls are married before they turn 18, according to statistics gathered in 2012 by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). However, young girls in the Indian state of Rajasthan—and even a few boys—are getting some help in combatting child marriage. In villages throughout Tonk, Jaipur and Banswara districts, the Center for Unfolding Learning Potential, or CULP, uses its Pehchan Project to reach out to girls, generally between the ages of 9 and 14, who either left school early or never went at all. The education and confidence-building CULP offers have empowered youngsters to refuse forced marriages in favor of continuing their studies, and the nongovernmental organization has provided them with resources and advocates in their fight.
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  • iPhone portrait of Kavita Ninama, approximate age 14, in a village outside of Banswara, Rajasthan, India, April 5, 2013. "My father was saying, 'We will get her married.' I refused. I said, 'You get married!' How would I be able to study? I wanted to study more, so I refused to get married… Everything would be ruined if I got married," said Ninama.<br />
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Under Indian law, children younger than 18 cannot marry. Yet in a number of India’s states, at least half of all girls are married before they turn 18, according to statistics gathered in 2012 by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). However, young girls in the Indian state of Rajasthan—and even a few boys—are getting some help in combatting child marriage. In villages throughout Tonk, Jaipur and Banswara districts, the Center for Unfolding Learning Potential, or CULP, uses its Pehchan Project to reach out to girls, generally between the ages of 9 and 14, who either left school early or never went at all. The education and confidence-building CULP offers have empowered young people to refuse forced marriages in favor of continuing their studies, and the nongovernmental organization has provided them with resources and advocates in their fight.
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  • iPhone portrait of Kavita Ninama, approximate age 14, in a village outside of Banswara, Rajasthan, India, April 5, 2013. "My father was saying, 'We will get her married.' I refused. I said, 'You get married!' How would I be able to study? I wanted to study more, so I refused to get married… Everything would be ruined if I got married," said Ninama.<br />
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Under Indian law, children younger than 18 cannot marry. Yet in a number of India’s states, at least half of all girls are married before they turn 18, according to statistics gathered in 2012 by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). However, young girls in the Indian state of Rajasthan—and even a few boys—are getting some help in combatting child marriage. In villages throughout Tonk, Jaipur and Banswara districts, the Center for Unfolding Learning Potential, or CULP, uses its Pehchan Project to reach out to girls, generally between the ages of 9 and 14, who either left school early or never went at all. The education and confidence-building CULP offers have empowered young people to refuse forced marriages in favor of continuing their studies, and the nongovernmental organization has provided them with resources and advocates in their fight.
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  • iPhone portrait of Kavita Ninama, approximate age 14, in a village outside of Banswara, Rajasthan, India, April 5, 2013. "My father was saying, 'We will get her married.' I refused. I said, 'You get married!' How would I be able to study? I wanted to study more, so I refused to get married… Everything would be ruined if I got married," said Ninama.<br />
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Under Indian law, children younger than 18 cannot marry. Yet in a number of India’s states, at least half of all girls are married before they turn 18, according to statistics gathered in 2012 by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). However, young girls in the Indian state of Rajasthan—and even a few boys—are getting some help in combatting child marriage. In villages throughout Tonk, Jaipur and Banswara districts, the Center for Unfolding Learning Potential, or CULP, uses its Pehchan Project to reach out to girls, generally between the ages of 9 and 14, who either left school early or never went at all. The education and confidence-building CULP offers have empowered young people to refuse forced marriages in favor of continuing their studies, and the nongovernmental organization has provided them with resources and advocates in their fight.
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  • iPhone portrait of Kavita Ninama, approximate age 14, in a village outside of Banswara, Rajasthan, India, April 5, 2013. "My father was saying, 'We will get her married.' I refused. I said, 'You get married!' How would I be able to study? I wanted to study more, so I refused to get married… Everything would be ruined if I got married," said Ninama.<br />
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Under Indian law, children younger than 18 cannot marry. Yet in a number of India’s states, at least half of all girls are married before they turn 18, according to statistics gathered in 2012 by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). However, young girls in the Indian state of Rajasthan—and even a few boys—are getting some help in combatting child marriage. In villages throughout Tonk, Jaipur and Banswara districts, the Center for Unfolding Learning Potential, or CULP, uses its Pehchan Project to reach out to girls, generally between the ages of 9 and 14, who either left school early or never went at all. The education and confidence-building CULP offers have empowered young people to refuse forced marriages in favor of continuing their studies, and the nongovernmental organization has provided them with resources and advocates in their fight.
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  • Boys who took part in the Center for Unfolding Learning Potential's (CULP) Pehchan Project are seen in a village of Rajasthan, India, April 5, 2013. Under Indian law, children younger than 18 cannot marry. Yet in a number of India’s states, at least half of all girls are married before they turn 18, according to statistics gathered in 2012 by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). However, young girls in the Indian state of Rajasthan—and even a few boys—are getting some help in combatting child marriage. In villages throughout Tonk, Jaipur and Banswara districts, the Center for Unfolding Learning Potential, or CULP, uses its Pehchan Project to reach out to girls, generally between the ages of 9 and 14, who either left school early or never went at all. The education and confidence-building CULP offers have empowered young people to refuse forced marriages in favor of continuing their studies, and the nongovernmental organization has provided them with resources and advocates in their fight.
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  • iPhone portrait of Basanti Kumari Maayida, 11, in a village outside of Banswara, Rajasthan, India, April 5, 2013. "She was young, my sister was between 10 and 12 years old when she was married. I watched as she got pregnant and then very weak. Then my parents were forcing me to marry someone, but I said no to my marriage. I want to become a teacher, that is why I refused," said Maayida. <br />
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Under Indian law, children younger than 18 cannot marry. Yet in a number of India’s states, at least half of all girls are married before they turn 18, according to statistics gathered in 2012 by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). However, young girls in the Indian state of Rajasthan—and even a few boys—are getting some help in combatting child marriage. In villages throughout Tonk, Jaipur and Banswara districts, the Center for Unfolding Learning Potential, or CULP, uses its Pehchan Project to reach out to girls, generally between the ages of 9 and 14, who either left school early or never went at all. The education and confidence-building CULP offers have empowered young people to refuse forced marriages in favor of continuing their studies, and the nongovernmental organization has provided them with resources and advocates in their fight.
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  • iPhone portrait of Lakshmi in a village outside of Banswara, Rajasthan, India, April 5, 2013. "My sister lives nearby and she told me that my parents we getting me married. I said no, I don’t want to get married. The life gets ruined when you marry at a young age," said Lakshmi.<br />
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Under Indian law, children younger than 18 cannot marry. Yet in a number of India’s states, at least half of all girls are married before they turn 18, according to statistics gathered in 2012 by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). However, young girls in the Indian state of Rajasthan—and even a few boys—are getting some help in combatting child marriage. In villages throughout Tonk, Jaipur and Banswara districts, the Center for Unfolding Learning Potential, or CULP, uses its Pehchan Project to reach out to girls, generally between the ages of 9 and 14, who either left school early or never went at all. The education and confidence-building CULP offers have empowered young people to refuse forced marriages in favor of continuing their studies, and the nongovernmental organization has provided them with resources and advocates in their fight.
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  • iPhone portrait of Surya Kumari, approximate age 16, in a village outside of Banswara, Rajasthan, India, April 5, 2013. "If I would get married at a young age then I would get a little weak, I would get a little thin. My brain would become weak. I said no to marriage, then my family refused too. They said, 'This girl will study,'" said Kumari. <br />
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Under Indian law, children younger than 18 cannot marry. Yet in a number of India’s states, at least half of all girls are married before they turn 18, according to statistics gathered in 2012 by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). However, young girls in the Indian state of Rajasthan—and even a few boys—are getting some help in combatting child marriage. In villages throughout Tonk, Jaipur and Banswara districts, the Center for Unfolding Learning Potential, or CULP, uses its Pehchan Project to reach out to girls, generally between the ages of 9 and 14, who either left school early or never went at all. The education and confidence-building CULP offers have empowered young people to refuse forced marriages in favor of continuing their studies, and the nongovernmental organization has provided them with resources and advocates in their fight.
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  • iPhone photo of female participants of the Pehchan Project in a village outside of Banswara, Rajasthan, India, April 6, 2013. Under Indian law, children younger than 18 cannot marry. Yet in a number of India’s states, at least half of all girls are married before they turn 18, according to statistics gathered in 2012 by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). However, young girls in the Indian state of Rajasthan—and even a few boys—are getting some help in combatting child marriage. In villages throughout Tonk, Jaipur and Banswara districts, the Center for Unfolding Learning Potential, or CULP, uses its Pehchan Project to reach out to girls, generally between the ages of 9 and 14, who either left school early or never went at all. The education and confidence-building CULP offers have empowered youngsters to refuse forced marriages in favor of continuing their studies, and the nongovernmental organization has provided them with resources and advocates in their fight.
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  • iPhone photo of boys and girls participating in the Pehchan Project in a village outside of Banswara, Rajasthan, India, April 6, 2013. Under Indian law, children younger than 18 cannot marry. Yet in a number of India’s states, at least half of all girls are married before they turn 18, according to statistics gathered in 2012 by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). However, young girls in the Indian state of Rajasthan—and even a few boys—are getting some help in combatting child marriage. In villages throughout Tonk, Jaipur and Banswara districts, the Center for Unfolding Learning Potential, or CULP, uses its Pehchan Project to reach out to girls, generally between the ages of 9 and 14, who either left school early or never went at all. The education and confidence-building CULP offers have empowered youngsters to refuse forced marriages in favor of continuing their studies, and the nongovernmental organization has provided them with resources and advocates in their fight.
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  • iPhone photo of daily life in the villages outside of Banswara, Rajasthan, India, April 6, 2013. Under Indian law, children younger than 18 cannot marry. Yet in a number of India’s states, at least half of all girls are married before they turn 18, according to statistics gathered in 2012 by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). However, young girls in the Indian state of Rajasthan—and even a few boys—are getting some help in combatting child marriage. In villages throughout Tonk, Jaipur and Banswara districts, the Center for Unfolding Learning Potential, or CULP, uses its Pehchan Project to reach out to girls, generally between the ages of 9 and 14, who either left school early or never went at all. The education and confidence-building CULP offers have empowered youngsters to refuse forced marriages in favor of continuing their studies, and the nongovernmental organization has provided them with resources and advocates in their fight.
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  • iPhone photo of the center where the Pehchan Project took place in a village outside of Banswara, Rajasthan, India, April 6, 2013.Under Indian law, children younger than 18 cannot marry. Yet in a number of India’s states, at least half of all girls are married before they turn 18, according to statistics gathered in 2012 by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). However, young girls in the Indian state of Rajasthan—and even a few boys—are getting some help in combatting child marriage. In villages throughout Tonk, Jaipur and Banswara districts, the Center for Unfolding Learning Potential, or CULP, uses its Pehchan Project to reach out to girls, generally between the ages of 9 and 14, who either left school early or never went at all. The education and confidence-building CULP offers have empowered youngsters to refuse forced marriages in favor of continuing their studies, and the nongovernmental organization has provided them with resources and advocates in their fight.
    SS20130406Too Young to Wed - India06.JPG
  • iPhone photo in the center where the Pehchan Project took place in a village outside of Banswara, Rajasthan, India, April 6, 2013. Under Indian law, children younger than 18 cannot marry. Yet in a number of India’s states, at least half of all girls are married before they turn 18, according to statistics gathered in 2012 by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). However, young girls in the Indian state of Rajasthan—and even a few boys—are getting some help in combatting child marriage. In villages throughout Tonk, Jaipur and Banswara districts, the Center for Unfolding Learning Potential, or CULP, uses its Pehchan Project to reach out to girls, generally between the ages of 9 and 14, who either left school early or never went at all. The education and confidence-building CULP offers have empowered youngsters to refuse forced marriages in favor of continuing their studies, and the nongovernmental organization has provided them with resources and advocates in their fight.
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  • iPhone photo of one of the children participating in the Pehchan Project in a village outside of Banswara, Rajasthan, India, April 6, 2013. Under Indian law, children younger than 18 cannot marry. Yet in a number of India’s states, at least half of all girls are married before they turn 18, according to statistics gathered in 2012 by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). However, young girls in the Indian state of Rajasthan—and even a few boys—are getting some help in combatting child marriage. In villages throughout Tonk, Jaipur and Banswara districts, the Center for Unfolding Learning Potential, or CULP, uses its Pehchan Project to reach out to girls, generally between the ages of 9 and 14, who either left school early or never went at all. The education and confidence-building CULP offers have empowered young people to refuse forced marriages in favor of continuing their studies, and the nongovernmental organization has provided them with resources and advocates in their fight.
    SS20130406Too Young to Wed - India08.JPG
  • iPhone photo of children participating in the Pehchan Project in a village outside of Banswara, Rajasthan, India, April 6, 2013. Under Indian law, children younger than 18 cannot marry. Yet in a number of India’s states, at least half of all girls are married before they turn 18, according to statistics gathered in 2012 by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). However, young girls in the Indian state of Rajasthan—and even a few boys—are getting some help in combatting child marriage. In villages throughout Tonk, Jaipur and Banswara districts, the Center for Unfolding Learning Potential, or CULP, uses its Pehchan Project to reach out to girls, generally between the ages of 9 and 14, who either left school early or never went at all. The education and confidence-building CULP offers have empowered young people to refuse forced marriages in favor of continuing their studies, and the nongovernmental organization has provided them with resources and advocates in their fight.
    SS20130406Too Young to Wed - India09.JPG
  • iPhone photo of daily life in the villages outside of Banswara, Rajasthan, India, April 6, 2013. Under Indian law, children younger than 18 cannot marry. Yet in a number of India’s states, at least half of all girls are married before they turn 18, according to statistics gathered in 2012 by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). However, young girls in the Indian state of Rajasthan—and even a few boys—are getting some help in combatting child marriage. In villages throughout Tonk, Jaipur and Banswara districts, the Center for Unfolding Learning Potential, or CULP, uses its Pehchan Project to reach out to girls, generally between the ages of 9 and 14, who either left school early or never went at all. The education and confidence-building CULP offers have empowered youngsters to refuse forced marriages in favor of continuing their studies, and the nongovernmental organization has provided them with resources and advocates in their fight.
    SS20130406Too Young to Wed - India11.JPG
  • iPhone photo of daily life in the villages outside of Banswara, Rajasthan, India, April 6, 2013. Under Indian law, children younger than 18 cannot marry. Yet in a number of India’s states, at least half of all girls are married before they turn 18, according to statistics gathered in 2012 by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). However, young girls in the Indian state of Rajasthan—and even a few boys—are getting some help in combatting child marriage. In villages throughout Tonk, Jaipur and Banswara districts, the Center for Unfolding Learning Potential, or CULP, uses its Pehchan Project to reach out to girls, generally between the ages of 9 and 14, who either left school early or never went at all. The education and confidence-building CULP offers have empowered youngsters to refuse forced marriages in favor of continuing their studies, and the nongovernmental organization has provided them with resources and advocates in their fight.
    SS20130406Too Young to Wed - India10.JPG
  • iPhone photo of daily life in the villages outside of Banswara, Rajasthan, India, April 6, 2013. Under Indian law, children younger than 18 cannot marry. Yet in a number of India’s states, at least half of all girls are married before they turn 18, according to statistics gathered in 2012 by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). However, young girls in the Indian state of Rajasthan—and even a few boys—are getting some help in combatting child marriage. In villages throughout Tonk, Jaipur and Banswara districts, the Center for Unfolding Learning Potential, or CULP, uses its Pehchan Project to reach out to girls, generally between the ages of 9 and 14, who either left school early or never went at all. The education and confidence-building CULP offers have empowered youngsters to refuse forced marriages in favor of continuing their studies, and the nongovernmental organization has provided them with resources and advocates in their fight.
    SS20130406Too Young to Wed - India12.JPG
  • iPhone photo of daily life in the villages outside of Banswara, Rajasthan, India, April 6, 2013. Under Indian law, children younger than 18 cannot marry. Yet in a number of India’s states, at least half of all girls are married before they turn 18, according to statistics gathered in 2012 by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). However, young girls in the Indian state of Rajasthan—and even a few boys—are getting some help in combatting child marriage. In villages throughout Tonk, Jaipur and Banswara districts, the Center for Unfolding Learning Potential, or CULP, uses its Pehchan Project to reach out to girls, generally between the ages of 9 and 14, who either left school early or never went at all. The education and confidence-building CULP offers have empowered youngsters to refuse forced marriages in favor of continuing their studies, and the nongovernmental organization has provided them with resources and advocates in their fight.
    SS20130406Too Young to Wed - India13.JPG
  • iPhone photo of daily life in the villages outside of Banswara, Rajasthan, India, April 6, 2013. Under Indian law, children younger than 18 cannot marry. Yet in a number of India’s states, at least half of all girls are married before they turn 18, according to statistics gathered in 2012 by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). However, young girls in the Indian state of Rajasthan—and even a few boys—are getting some help in combatting child marriage. In villages throughout Tonk, Jaipur and Banswara districts, the Center for Unfolding Learning Potential, or CULP, uses its Pehchan Project to reach out to girls, generally between the ages of 9 and 14, who either left school early or never went at all. The education and confidence-building CULP offers have empowered youngsters to refuse forced marriages in favor of continuing their studies, and the nongovernmental organization has provided them with resources and advocates in their fight.
    SS20130406Too Young to Wed - India14.JPG
  • iPhone photo of daily life in the villages outside of Banswara, Rajasthan, India, April 6, 2013. Under Indian law, children younger than 18 cannot marry. Yet in a number of India’s states, at least half of all girls are married before they turn 18, according to statistics gathered in 2012 by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). However, young girls in the Indian state of Rajasthan—and even a few boys—are getting some help in combatting child marriage. In villages throughout Tonk, Jaipur and Banswara districts, the Center for Unfolding Learning Potential, or CULP, uses its Pehchan Project to reach out to girls, generally between the ages of 9 and 14, who either left school early or never went at all. The education and confidence-building CULP offers have empowered youngsters to refuse forced marriages in favor of continuing their studies, and the nongovernmental organization has provided them with resources and advocates in their fight.
    SS20130406Too Young to Wed - India15.JPG
  • iPhone photo of daily life in the villages outside of Banswara, Rajasthan, India, April 6, 2013. Under Indian law, children younger than 18 cannot marry. Yet in a number of India’s states, at least half of all girls are married before they turn 18, according to statistics gathered in 2012 by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). However, young girls in the Indian state of Rajasthan—and even a few boys—are getting some help in combatting child marriage. In villages throughout Tonk, Jaipur and Banswara districts, the Center for Unfolding Learning Potential, or CULP, uses its Pehchan Project to reach out to girls, generally between the ages of 9 and 14, who either left school early or never went at all. The education and confidence-building CULP offers have empowered youngsters to refuse forced marriages in favor of continuing their studies, and the nongovernmental organization has provided them with resources and advocates in their fight.
    SS20130406Too Young to Wed - India16.JPG
  • iPhone photo of daily life in the villages outside of Banswara, Rajasthan, India, April 6, 2013. Under Indian law, children younger than 18 cannot marry. Yet in a number of India’s states, at least half of all girls are married before they turn 18, according to statistics gathered in 2012 by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). However, young girls in the Indian state of Rajasthan—and even a few boys—are getting some help in combatting child marriage. In villages throughout Tonk, Jaipur and Banswara districts, the Center for Unfolding Learning Potential, or CULP, uses its Pehchan Project to reach out to girls, generally between the ages of 9 and 14, who either left school early or never went at all. The education and confidence-building CULP offers have empowered youngsters to refuse forced marriages in favor of continuing their studies, and the nongovernmental organization has provided them with resources and advocates in their fight.
    SS20130406Too Young to Wed - India17.JPG
  • iPhone photo of an arch in a village outside of Banswara, Rajasthan, India, April 6, 2013. Under Indian law, children younger than 18 cannot marry. Yet in a number of India’s states, at least half of all girls are married before they turn 18, according to statistics gathered in 2012 by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). However, young girls in the Indian state of Rajasthan—and even a few boys—are getting some help in combatting child marriage. In villages throughout Tonk, Jaipur and Banswara districts, the Center for Unfolding Learning Potential, or CULP, uses its Pehchan Project to reach out to girls, generally between the ages of 9 and 14, who either left school early or never went at all. The education and confidence-building CULP offers have empowered youngsters to refuse forced marriages in favor of continuing their studies, and the nongovernmental organization has provided them with resources and advocates in their fight.
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  • iPhone portrait of Babli Maayida, approximate age 14, in a village outside of Banswara, Rajasthan, India, April 6, 2013. “I did not like it when they said they want to get me married. I said, ‘I’m very young right now and I don’t want to get married. I want to study. . . . I’m a child," said Maayida.<br />
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Under Indian law, children younger than 18 cannot marry. Yet in a number of India’s states, at least half of all girls are married before they turn 18, according to statistics gathered in 2012 by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). However, young girls in the Indian state of Rajasthan—and even a few boys—are getting some help in combatting child marriage. In villages throughout Tonk, Jaipur and Banswara districts, the Center for Unfolding Learning Potential, or CULP, uses its Pehchan Project to reach out to girls, generally between the ages of 9 and 14, who either left school early or never went at all. The education and confidence-building CULP offers have empowered young people to refuse forced marriages in favor of continuing their studies, and the nongovernmental organization has provided them with resources and advocates in their fight.
    SS20130406Too Young to Wed - India51.JPG
  • iPhone portrait of Babli Maayida, approximate age 14, in a village outside of Banswara, Rajasthan, India, April 6, 2013. “I did not like it when they said they want to get me married. I said, ‘I’m very young right now and I don’t want to get married. I want to study. . . . I’m a child," said Maayida.<br />
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Under Indian law, children younger than 18 cannot marry. Yet in a number of India’s states, at least half of all girls are married before they turn 18, according to statistics gathered in 2012 by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). However, young girls in the Indian state of Rajasthan—and even a few boys—are getting some help in combatting child marriage. In villages throughout Tonk, Jaipur and Banswara districts, the Center for Unfolding Learning Potential, or CULP, uses its Pehchan Project to reach out to girls, generally between the ages of 9 and 14, who either left school early or never went at all. The education and confidence-building CULP offers have empowered young people to refuse forced marriages in favor of continuing their studies, and the nongovernmental organization has provided them with resources and advocates in their fight.
    SS20130406Too Young to Wed - India52.JPG
  • iPhone portrait of Babli Maayida, approximate age 14, in a village outside of Banswara, Rajasthan, India, April 6, 2013. “I did not like it when they said they want to get me married. I said, ‘I’m very young right now and I don’t want to get married. I want to study. . . . I’m a child," said Maayida.<br />
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Under Indian law, children younger than 18 cannot marry. Yet in a number of India’s states, at least half of all girls are married before they turn 18, according to statistics gathered in 2012 by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). However, young girls in the Indian state of Rajasthan—and even a few boys—are getting some help in combatting child marriage. In villages throughout Tonk, Jaipur and Banswara districts, the Center for Unfolding Learning Potential, or CULP, uses its Pehchan Project to reach out to girls, generally between the ages of 9 and 14, who either left school early or never went at all. The education and confidence-building CULP offers have empowered young people to refuse forced marriages in favor of continuing their studies, and the nongovernmental organization has provided them with resources and advocates in their fight.
    SS20130406Too Young to Wed - India53.JPG
  • iPhone portrait of Babli Maayida, approximate age 14, in a village outside of Banswara, Rajasthan, India, April 6, 2013. “I did not like it when they said they want to get me married. I said, ‘I’m very young right now and I don’t want to get married. I want to study. . . . I’m a child," said Maayida.<br />
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Under Indian law, children younger than 18 cannot marry. Yet in a number of India’s states, at least half of all girls are married before they turn 18, according to statistics gathered in 2012 by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). However, young girls in the Indian state of Rajasthan—and even a few boys—are getting some help in combatting child marriage. In villages throughout Tonk, Jaipur and Banswara districts, the Center for Unfolding Learning Potential, or CULP, uses its Pehchan Project to reach out to girls, generally between the ages of 9 and 14, who either left school early or never went at all. The education and confidence-building CULP offers have empowered young people to refuse forced marriages in favor of continuing their studies, and the nongovernmental organization has provided them with resources and advocates in their fight.
    SS20130406Too Young to Wed - India54.JPG
  • iPhone portrait of Babli Maayida, approximate age 14, in a village outside of Banswara, Rajasthan, India, April 6, 2013. “I did not like it when they said they want to get me married. I said, ‘I’m very young right now and I don’t want to get married. I want to study. . . . I’m a child," said Maayida.<br />
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Under Indian law, children younger than 18 cannot marry. Yet in a number of India’s states, at least half of all girls are married before they turn 18, according to statistics gathered in 2012 by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). However, young girls in the Indian state of Rajasthan—and even a few boys—are getting some help in combatting child marriage. In villages throughout Tonk, Jaipur and Banswara districts, the Center for Unfolding Learning Potential, or CULP, uses its Pehchan Project to reach out to girls, generally between the ages of 9 and 14, who either left school early or never went at all. The education and confidence-building CULP offers have empowered young people to refuse forced marriages in favor of continuing their studies, and the nongovernmental organization has provided them with resources and advocates in their fight.
    SS20130406Too Young to Wed - India55.JPG
  • iPhone portrait of Babli Maayida, approximate age 14, in a village outside of Banswara, Rajasthan, India, April 6, 2013. “I did not like it when they said they want to get me married. I said, ‘I’m very young right now and I don’t want to get married. I want to study. . . . I’m a child," said Maayida.<br />
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Under Indian law, children younger than 18 cannot marry. Yet in a number of India’s states, at least half of all girls are married before they turn 18, according to statistics gathered in 2012 by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). However, young girls in the Indian state of Rajasthan—and even a few boys—are getting some help in combatting child marriage. In villages throughout Tonk, Jaipur and Banswara districts, the Center for Unfolding Learning Potential, or CULP, uses its Pehchan Project to reach out to girls, generally between the ages of 9 and 14, who either left school early or never went at all. The education and confidence-building CULP offers have empowered young people to refuse forced marriages in favor of continuing their studies, and the nongovernmental organization has provided them with resources and advocates in their fight.
    SS20130406Too Young to Wed - India56.JPG
  • iPhone portrait of Babli Maayida, approximate age 14, in a village outside of Banswara, Rajasthan, India, April 6, 2013. “I did not like it when they said they want to get me married. I said, ‘I’m very young right now and I don’t want to get married. I want to study. . . . I’m a child," said Maayida.<br />
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Under Indian law, children younger than 18 cannot marry. Yet in a number of India’s states, at least half of all girls are married before they turn 18, according to statistics gathered in 2012 by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). However, young girls in the Indian state of Rajasthan—and even a few boys—are getting some help in combatting child marriage. In villages throughout Tonk, Jaipur and Banswara districts, the Center for Unfolding Learning Potential, or CULP, uses its Pehchan Project to reach out to girls, generally between the ages of 9 and 14, who either left school early or never went at all. The education and confidence-building CULP offers have empowered young people to refuse forced marriages in favor of continuing their studies, and the nongovernmental organization has provided them with resources and advocates in their fight.
    SS20130406Too Young to Wed - India57.JPG
  • iPhone portrait of Babli Maayida, approximate age 14, in a village outside of Banswara, Rajasthan, India, April 6, 2013. “I did not like it when they said they want to get me married. I said, ‘I’m very young right now and I don’t want to get married. I want to study. . . . I’m a child," said Maayida.<br />
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Under Indian law, children younger than 18 cannot marry. Yet in a number of India’s states, at least half of all girls are married before they turn 18, according to statistics gathered in 2012 by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). However, young girls in the Indian state of Rajasthan—and even a few boys—are getting some help in combatting child marriage. In villages throughout Tonk, Jaipur and Banswara districts, the Center for Unfolding Learning Potential, or CULP, uses its Pehchan Project to reach out to girls, generally between the ages of 9 and 14, who either left school early or never went at all. The education and confidence-building CULP offers have empowered young people to refuse forced marriages in favor of continuing their studies, and the nongovernmental organization has provided them with resources and advocates in their fight.
    SS20130406Too Young to Wed - India59.JPG
  • iPhone portrait of Babli Maayida, approximate age 14, in a village outside of Banswara, Rajasthan, India, April 6, 2013. “I did not like it when they said they want to get me married. I said, ‘I’m very young right now and I don’t want to get married. I want to study. . . . I’m a child," said Maayida.<br />
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Under Indian law, children younger than 18 cannot marry. Yet in a number of India’s states, at least half of all girls are married before they turn 18, according to statistics gathered in 2012 by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). However, young girls in the Indian state of Rajasthan—and even a few boys—are getting some help in combatting child marriage. In villages throughout Tonk, Jaipur and Banswara districts, the Center for Unfolding Learning Potential, or CULP, uses its Pehchan Project to reach out to girls, generally between the ages of 9 and 14, who either left school early or never went at all. The education and confidence-building CULP offers have empowered young people to refuse forced marriages in favor of continuing their studies, and the nongovernmental organization has provided them with resources and advocates in their fight.
    SS20130406Too Young to Wed - India58.JPG
  • iPhone portrait of Laxman Maayida, 12, in a village of Rajasthan, India, April 6, 2013. "You can’t study after marriage because then you have kids and you have to get them clothes and get clothes for the wife. You have to socialize in the community. A girl cannot study after marriage because she has to take care of the kids. She has to do work at the house, and she has to do work at the farms. . . . We will be more wise after studying,” said Maayida.<br />
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Under Indian law, children younger than 18 cannot marry. Yet in a number of India’s states, at least half of all girls are married before they turn 18, according to statistics gathered in 2012 by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). However, young girls in the Indian state of Rajasthan—and even a few boys—are getting some help in combatting child marriage. In villages throughout Tonk, Jaipur and Banswara districts, the Center for Unfolding Learning Potential, or CULP, uses its Pehchan Project to reach out to girls, generally between the ages of 9 and 14, who either left school early or never went at all. The education and confidence-building CULP offers have empowered young people to refuse forced marriages in favor of continuing their studies, and the nongovernmental organization has provided them with resources and advocates in their fight.
    SS20130406Too Young to Wed - India68.JPG
  • iPhone photo of daily life in the villages outside of Banswara, Rajasthan, India, April 7, 2013. Under Indian law, children younger than 18 cannot marry. Yet in a number of India’s states, at least half of all girls are married before they turn 18, according to statistics gathered in 2012 by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). However, young girls in the Indian state of Rajasthan—and even a few boys—are getting some help in combatting child marriage. In villages throughout Tonk, Jaipur and Banswara districts, the Center for Unfolding Learning Potential, or CULP, uses its Pehchan Project to reach out to girls, generally between the ages of 9 and 14, who either left school early or never went at all. The education and confidence-building CULP offers have empowered youngsters to refuse forced marriages in favor of continuing their studies, and the nongovernmental organization has provided them with resources and advocates in their fight.
    SS20130407Too Young to Wed - India19.JPG
  • iPhone portrait of Dinesh Chandra Ninama, 14, in a village outside of Banswara, Rajasthan, India, May 21, 2013. "This is what happens when you get married young, 'Oh dear, go here, go there!' I would go for laboring then I’d start boozing. In my village there are people who got married and do this," said Ninama. <br />
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Under Indian law, children younger than 18 cannot marry. Yet in a number of India’s states, at least half of all girls are married before they turn 18, according to statistics gathered in 2012 by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). However, young girls in the Indian state of Rajasthan—and even a few boys—are getting some help in combatting child marriage. In villages throughout Tonk, Jaipur and Banswara districts, the Center for Unfolding Learning Potential, or CULP, uses its Pehchan Project to reach out to girls, generally between the ages of 9 and 14, who either left school early or never went at all. The education and confidence-building CULP offers have empowered youngsters to refuse forced marriages in favor of continuing their studies, and the nongovernmental organization has provided them with resources and advocates in their fight.
    SS20130521Too Young to Wed - India27.JPG
  • iPhone portrait of Dinesh Chandra Ninama, 14, in a village outside of Banswara, Rajasthan, India, May 21, 2013. "This is what happens when you get married young, 'Oh dear, go here, go there!' I would go for laboring then I’d start boozing. In my village there are people who got married and do this," said Ninama. <br />
<br />
Under Indian law, children younger than 18 cannot marry. Yet in a number of India’s states, at least half of all girls are married before they turn 18, according to statistics gathered in 2012 by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). However, young girls in the Indian state of Rajasthan—and even a few boys—are getting some help in combatting child marriage. In villages throughout Tonk, Jaipur and Banswara districts, the Center for Unfolding Learning Potential, or CULP, uses its Pehchan Project to reach out to girls, generally between the ages of 9 and 14, who either left school early or never went at all. The education and confidence-building CULP offers have empowered youngsters to refuse forced marriages in favor of continuing their studies, and the nongovernmental organization has provided them with resources and advocates in their fight.
    SS20130521Too Young to Wed - India29.JPG
  • iPhone portrait of Dinesh Chandra Ninama, 14, in a village outside of Banswara, Rajasthan, India, May 21, 2013. "This is what happens when you get married young, 'Oh dear, go here, go there!' I would go for laboring then I’d start boozing. In my village there are people who got married and do this," said Ninama. <br />
<br />
Under Indian law, children younger than 18 cannot marry. Yet in a number of India’s states, at least half of all girls are married before they turn 18, according to statistics gathered in 2012 by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). However, young girls in the Indian state of Rajasthan—and even a few boys—are getting some help in combatting child marriage. In villages throughout Tonk, Jaipur and Banswara districts, the Center for Unfolding Learning Potential, or CULP, uses its Pehchan Project to reach out to girls, generally between the ages of 9 and 14, who either left school early or never went at all. The education and confidence-building CULP offers have empowered youngsters to refuse forced marriages in favor of continuing their studies, and the nongovernmental organization has provided them with resources and advocates in their fight.
    SS20130521Too Young to Wed - India28.JPG
  • iPhone portrait of Dinesh Chandra Ninama, 14, in a village outside of Banswara, Rajasthan, India, May 21, 2013. "This is what happens when you get married young, 'Oh dear, go here, go there!' I would go for laboring then I’d start boozing. In my village there are people who got married and do this," said Ninama. <br />
<br />
Under Indian law, children younger than 18 cannot marry. Yet in a number of India’s states, at least half of all girls are married before they turn 18, according to statistics gathered in 2012 by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). However, young girls in the Indian state of Rajasthan—and even a few boys—are getting some help in combatting child marriage. In villages throughout Tonk, Jaipur and Banswara districts, the Center for Unfolding Learning Potential, or CULP, uses its Pehchan Project to reach out to girls, generally between the ages of 9 and 14, who either left school early or never went at all. The education and confidence-building CULP offers have empowered youngsters to refuse forced marriages in favor of continuing their studies, and the nongovernmental organization has provided them with resources and advocates in their fight.
    SS20130521Too Young to Wed - India30.JPG
  • iPhone portrait of Savita Daamor, 13, in a village outside of Banswara, Rajasthan, India, May 21, 2013. "My father was saying he will get me married. I refused, I said, 'No. I won’t get married.' I would not like it if I got married at a tender age," said Daamor. <br />
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Under Indian law, children younger than 18 cannot marry. Yet in a number of India’s states, at least half of all girls are married before they turn 18, according to statistics gathered in 2012 by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). However, young girls in the Indian state of Rajasthan—and even a few boys—are getting some help in combatting child marriage. In villages throughout Tonk, Jaipur and Banswara districts, the Center for Unfolding Learning Potential, or CULP, uses its Pehchan Project to reach out to girls, generally between the ages of 9 and 14, who either left school early or never went at all. The education and confidence-building CULP offers have empowered youngsters to refuse forced marriages in favor of continuing their studies, and the nongovernmental organization has provided them with resources and advocates in their fight.
    SS20130521Too Young to Wed - India37.JPG
  • iPhone portrait of Savita Daamor, 13, in a village outside of Banswara, Rajasthan, India, May 21, 2013. "My father was saying he will get me married. I refused, I said, 'No. I won’t get married.' I would not like it if I got married at a tender age," said Daamor. <br />
<br />
Under Indian law, children younger than 18 cannot marry. Yet in a number of India’s states, at least half of all girls are married before they turn 18, according to statistics gathered in 2012 by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). However, young girls in the Indian state of Rajasthan—and even a few boys—are getting some help in combatting child marriage. In villages throughout Tonk, Jaipur and Banswara districts, the Center for Unfolding Learning Potential, or CULP, uses its Pehchan Project to reach out to girls, generally between the ages of 9 and 14, who either left school early or never went at all. The education and confidence-building CULP offers have empowered youngsters to refuse forced marriages in favor of continuing their studies, and the nongovernmental organization has provided them with resources and advocates in their fight.
    SS20130521Too Young to Wed - India38.JPG
  • iPhone portrait of Savita Daamor, 13, in a village outside of Banswara, Rajasthan, India, May 21, 2013. "My father was saying he will get me married. I refused, I said, 'No. I won’t get married.' I would not like it if I got married at a tender age," said Daamor. <br />
<br />
Under Indian law, children younger than 18 cannot marry. Yet in a number of India’s states, at least half of all girls are married before they turn 18, according to statistics gathered in 2012 by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). However, young girls in the Indian state of Rajasthan—and even a few boys—are getting some help in combatting child marriage. In villages throughout Tonk, Jaipur and Banswara districts, the Center for Unfolding Learning Potential, or CULP, uses its Pehchan Project to reach out to girls, generally between the ages of 9 and 14, who either left school early or never went at all. The education and confidence-building CULP offers have empowered youngsters to refuse forced marriages in favor of continuing their studies, and the nongovernmental organization has provided them with resources and advocates in their fight.
    SS20130521Too Young to Wed - India39.JPG
  • iPhone portrait of Savita Daamor, 13, in a village outside of Banswara, Rajasthan, India, May 21, 2013. "My father was saying he will get me married. I refused, I said, 'No. I won’t get married.' I would not like it if I got married at a tender age," said Daamor. <br />
<br />
Under Indian law, children younger than 18 cannot marry. Yet in a number of India’s states, at least half of all girls are married before they turn 18, according to statistics gathered in 2012 by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). However, young girls in the Indian state of Rajasthan—and even a few boys—are getting some help in combatting child marriage. In villages throughout Tonk, Jaipur and Banswara districts, the Center for Unfolding Learning Potential, or CULP, uses its Pehchan Project to reach out to girls, generally between the ages of 9 and 14, who either left school early or never went at all. The education and confidence-building CULP offers have empowered youngsters to refuse forced marriages in favor of continuing their studies, and the nongovernmental organization has provided them with resources and advocates in their fight.
    SS20130521Too Young to Wed - India40.JPG