Sonepur: Eighty adolescent girls from across the district pledged against child marriage at an event that concluded here on Wednesday.

Research Academy for Rural Enrichment (RARE) organised the District Adolescent Girls' Convention, where the pledge was taken. The girls also participated in the "Say no to child marriage" signature campaign.

Child development project officer Nibedita Saraf discussed the after effects of child marriage and its legal implications. "Child marriage has remained an essential evil in our society. One has to be aware about the legal intricacies of the illegal practice. Adolescent girls have a major role to play in this," she said.

District collector Dasarathi Satapathy spoke about the need for girl education.

"Instead of trying to get them married, parents must give priority to the education of girl child," he said.

Satapathy said: "Adolescent girls must follow their dreams. For this they need a healthy mind and body."

Swapna Baghar, 14, said she had learnt a lot during the convention about the ill effects of child marriage.

"I have pledged against child marriage. Come what may, I am not going to marry till I am an adult. I will also prevent any incident of child marriage in my village. The convention has taught me how to utilise my adolescent life meaningfully," said Swapna.

Programme coordinator, RARE, Ananga Negi said the convention became an ideal platform for adolescent girls who needed expert guidance.