According to UNICEF?s 2015 progress report, almost half (45%) of adolescent girls in South East Asia are married before their 18th birthday. Many believe child marriage is a form of violence against children, denying the girls? fewer educational opportunities and time away from family and friends. ? Child marriage is a social menace. It is a social menace problem. I appeal to the many poor parents not to forcibly marry the daughters off, but encourage them to study,? says Mamata Banerjee Chief Minister of West Bengal, India. These issues affect all girls living in South East Asia including India. UNICEF?s goal for South East Asia is to avert 750,000 marriages by 2017. However, there is hope for these girls thanks to philanthropic individuals and organizations like the Dasra Girl Alliance.