The Village Health Council, Mooshrot Village in collaboration with Barato Outpost(OP) and with Laskein CHC, conducted an awareness program on 19th July, 2025 at Mooshrot village, West Jaintia Hills on Child Marriage and the POCSO Act to educate the community about the legal consequences and the importance of protecting children from abuse and early marriage.
UB SI Wilfred Jala, Officer incharge Barato Police Outpost address the gathering on the issues of early marriage and Protection of Children from Sexual Offence (POCSO) Act.
He spoke about the harmful impact of Child marriage on children’s health, education and wellbeing, emphasising that it is a punishable offence under the law.
Smt. M Papiah, Counsellor, Adolescent friendly Health Clinic, Laskein CHC spoke on the serious consequences of early marriage, explaining that marrying at a young age can disrupt a child’s natural growth and development. She noted that puberty in girls begin between the age of 9 and 13 but full emotional and maturity continues to developed well beyond that particular between the age of 15 and 18. She highlighted during this stage adolescents experience emotional shifts, growing independence, mood swings, identity formation and are significantly influence by peer groups.
She further added that marrying during period can severely impact their mental health, limit education and career opportunities and increase vulnerability to early pregnancy which carries high health risk.
Various other activities like skit play, football match were conducted to actively engaged the community.
Others who spoke include the Village Headman Shri.Janai Suchaing, Chairman VHC Smt. B Lathong, Community Gender Heath Activies (CGHA) Smt. Amelia Lyngdoh who encourage collective community effort in preventing child marriage and promoting adolescent well being.
