This report provides an in-depth look at the Reducing Child, Early, and Forced Marriage project led by Breakthrough ACTION in Nepal. The project supported the local government in addressing high CEFM rates through locally driven, community-based strategies. By collaborating with municipalities in Madhesh Province, the project strengthened institutional and technical capacity in designing and implementing effective social and behavior change (SBC) activities to promote child protection and increase girls’ access to education. The report details how municipalities conducted local censuses to uncover the prevalence of CEFM, prompting greater local investment and support for reducing child marriage rates.

This resource is valuable for SBC practitioners, government officials, policymakers, and organizations focused on child protection and community health. It provides practical insights into community engagement strategies and demonstrates the effectiveness of multisectoral, data-informed approaches in addressing deeply rooted social issues.

The project highlights the impact of empowering local leaders with data and involving communities in addressing CEFM. This model offers a framework for fostering sustainable change through locally owned solutions, showing how SBC efforts can reshape norms and provide girls with greater educational and life opportunities.