About Us
Founder's story
Hello everyone! My name is Janani Jayaraj, and I am the Founder and Executive Director of Stand For Childhood. I started this nonprofit because of two experiences that opened my eyes to the reality of child marriage.
When I was 12, I learned that my aunt in India had been forced to marry at 15 due to economic and social pressures. She dreamed of becoming a doctor but had to leave school after the eighth grade and became a mother of two by 18. My heart broke for her. She had no control over her future and was forced to give up her dreams and ambitions because of a marriage she did not choose.
Two years later, I learned that one of my closest friends, Maya, was also being forced into a child marriage. After her father passed away, her grandfather planned to marry her off for financial security. But Maya did not want to get married. She wanted to continue her education and become a lawyer one day. I raised money for her education and worked with her grandfather and a local judge to help ensure she could remain in school and pursue her goals.
When I returned to the United States, I began researching child marriage and discovered that it continues to affect children around the world, including here in the United States. The more I learned, the more determined I became to take action.
That is why I founded Stand For Childhood at 16. I am passionate about standing up for children whose voices often go unheard and working toward a future where every child has the freedom to simply be a child.
Our Mission
Our mission at Stand For Childhood is to end child marriage in all 50 states and around the world through awareness, advocacy, and collaboration with government leaders. We stand for the future of every child by working to protect them from child marriage and empower them to build the lives they choose for themselves.
Our Values
Childhood First
Every child deserves the opportunity to experience a safe and fulfilling childhood free from child marriage.
Education
Education and awareness are powerful tools for preventing child marriage and creating everlasting change.
Adcocacy
We are committed to speaking up for children whose voices are silenced and advocating for policies that protect their rights.
Collaboration
Meaningful change occurs when diverse groups like organizations and communities work together toward a common goal.