A trailblazing all-girl cricket tournament in Tulihawa, Nepal, helped reach some 1,500 people with messages about ending child marriage and promoting girls’ equality. © UNFPA Nepal/Santosh Chhetri

The matches were announced by local celebrity cricket commenter Nischal Shrivastav: “The theme of this match is bowling out child marriage and violence against women and girls,” he said. © UNFPA Nepal/Santosh Chhetri

Girls in Kapilvastu District face entrenched inequalities. “Unlike boys, girls have to look after their families and do all the work,” said 18-year-old player Shova Yadav. © UNFPA Nepal/Santosh Chhetri

Child marriage is widely practiced in the district. Prem Sheela Mali, 12, said she hopes the tournament will “change traditional notions towards girls, that they are family burdens and should be married off at an early age.” © UNFPA Nepal/Santosh Chhetri

Some 56 girls came to the district capital to play in the tournament and call for an end to child marriage.

Some of the girls were themselves child brides. Usha Yadav, 18, was ceremonially married five years ago, before even meeting her husband. To this day, she says, “I’ve not seen my husband and have never been to his home.” © UNFPA Nepal/Santosh Chhetri

“If we are provided opportunities to play the games we like and to continue our studies up to the level we want, I think child marriage will disappear like a ghost,” said Prem Sheela Pasi, 18. © UNFPA Nepal/Santosh Chhetri