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MNN Global · February 22, 2026 · 1 min read

Football empowers Indian girls to resist forced marriage

What happened: In an Indian village, two sisters share how playing football has helped them challenge the practice of child marriage. The sport has provided them with confidence and a sense of freedom.

Why it matters:

  • It highlights how sports can be a tool for social change and empowerment.
  • It affects girls in communities where child marriage is common, offering them new opportunities.

MNN Take: Football serves as more than a game; it can empower young girls to assert their rights and delay or avoid forced marriage by building self-esteem and community support.

Sources: BBC World