Laxmi Sargara was 1 year old when she was married to a 3-year-old boy named Rakesh in the desert state of Rajasthan in northwestern India, the French news agency said. Their families decided that when they grew up they would live together and have children.
A UNICEF report says 47 percent of married women in India wed before age 18. Unicef also says 40 percent of the world's child marriages take place in India.
"I was unhappy about the marriage,” Sargara, now 18, told AFP. “I told my parents who did not agree with me, then I sought help. Now I am mentally relaxed and my family members are also with me."
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Unfortunately, child marriages are still a big issue in India, especially in rural areas. NGOs try to halt the practice through negotiation with parents and improved education for girls, however, they're fighting against an age-old tradition and the mindset of thousands of parents.
GlobalGiving hosts several projects that are working to make changes for young girls in India. If you're looking for a way to help, check out these two:
The Blossom Bus: Help Rural Girls in India Get To School
Prevent Child Marriage, Educate 100 Girls in India
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