Korean-funded initiative empowers Rohingya girls to resist child marriage

Six months after its launch, the partnership between the Republic of Korea and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has significantly progressed in protecting and empowering Rohingya adolescents, youth, and women.

The initiative equips them with critical skills and knowledge, enabling them to make informed decisions about their bodies, future choices, and marriage.

The project, titled "Combating Early and Forced Child Marriage in Rohingya Refugee Camps: Non-Formal Education in Safe Spaces," has so far reached nearly 80,000 Rohingya adolescent girls and women in refugee camps across Cox's Bazar and Bhasan Char Island. In the densely populated refugee camps, where early marriage, gender-based violence, and adolescent pregnancy remain widespread, nearly 90% of adolescents miss out on formal education. The project addresses this critical gap through 96 safe spaces—including 39 Women-Friendly Spaces, 57 community-based learning centres, and eight Adolescent and Youth Centres. These spaces serve as essential platforms where girls gain vital life skills, education, and social support.

Among the many adolescents benefiting from the project is 12-year-old Maimuna1, whose story proves that knowledge is power. Forced to flee Myanmar in 2018, Maimuna and her family settled in a refugee camp in Cox's Bazar, where she enrolled in a Girls Shine life skill education programme supported through this initiative funded by the Republic of Korea. Through these sessions, she learned about gender-based violence, child marriage, and sexual and reproductive health. The programme also helped her understand her rights, develop confidence, and reflect on social and gender norms in her community—insights that would soon prove
life-changing.

During a visit to another camp, Maimuna was shocked to learn that her cousin—also 12 years old—was about to be married off. Instead of staying silent, she spoke up, explaining the risks of child marriage, including domestic violence, maternal health complications, and the loss of education opportunities. Her cousin's family, reflecting on the hardships faced by another daughter who had married young, decided to cancel the wedding.
"When they asked how I knew all this, I told them about the Adolescent and Youth Centre," Maimuna shared. Inspired by this outcome, she is determined to continue raising awareness among her peers and community.

The project's impact extends beyond education alone. In safe spaces, over 800 girls like Maimuna have learned practical skills to overcome period poverty by producing reusable menstrual pads using locally available resources. This initiative addresses hygiene needs and provides young women with valuable economic skills.
In addition to non-formal education, the project provides targeted support for married adolescent girls and young women, strengthening maternal and newborn healthcare. Over 3,000 emergency referrals were facilitated through the Emergency Referral Transport Service, and health providers received comprehensive training to deliver adolescent-responsive sexual and reproductive health services, including family planning. These interventions protect young married girls from risks associated with closely spaced pregnancies and have benefited thousands in refugee and host communities.
Recognising the profound mental health challenges faced by displaced populations, the initiative also expanded mental health and psychosocial support services through the Rohingya Alapon helpline. Since October 2024, this remote counselling service has supported 1,564 refugees with limited access to mental health care.

"The support from the Korean Government has been critical for reaching adolescent refugees, who often remain neglected in humanitarian responses. These girls are disproportionately affected by the negative consequences of displacement, violence, poor living conditions, and lack of opportunities. Early marriage is affecting over 10% of Rohingya girls, which is a stark contrast to the near-zero rate back home in Myanmar," said Masaki Watabe, UNFPA Representative a.i. "We have witnessed transformative results for the young Rohingya refugees by providing safe spaces, essential education and skills training, and health services that respond to their needs. However, we need more funds to sustain the activities and consolidate the impact of such efforts."

As the initiative runs till September 2025, UNFPA remains dedicated to building upon these achievements. "Our priority continues to be ensuring the protection, education, and empowerment of vulnerable youth and women," said Mr. Watabe. "We are committed to doing everything possible to sustain essential services for the Rohingya refugees and their host communities."