Runaway girls: an understanding of the reasons and consequences

Abstract

The phenomenon of runaway girls, wherein young females leave their homes for various reasons, presents a complex intersection of social, psychological, and cultural factors. This review article delves into the multidimensional nature of the issue, aiming to provide a comprehensive understanding of the causes, consequences, and potential interventions related to girls running away from their homes. The article synthesizes existing research and literature to illuminate the diverse array of reasons that drive girls to run away, including family conflicts, forced marriages, economic hardships, aspirations for autonomy, and peer influence. Furthermore, the emotional, psychological, and social consequences faced by these girls are explored, encompassing safety concerns, mental health implications, loss of support networks, and legal complications. Importantly, the study also highlights the ripple effects on families and societies, encompassing emotional distress, strained relationships, and the challenge of addressing social stigma. To mitigate the adverse impacts of girls running away, this review article discusses various intervention strategies. These encompass targeted support systems, counseling services, education on healthy relationships, empowerment initiatives, and policy reforms aimed at safeguarding girls’ rights. Drawing on global experiences and best practices, the review emphasizes the significance of collaboration between government agencies, NGOs, families, schools, and communities to effectively address this issue.