Reinforcement of Female Students at Islamic Boarding School in Preventing Early Marriage Behavior

Early marriage remains a significant problem in Indonesia. In Southeast Asia, Indonesia ranks second after Cambodia in cases of early marriage. East Java has the highest incidence of early marriage in the Java-Bali region. This situation forms the background for implementing the community service program. The purpose of this community service is to raise awareness and reinforce understanding of the risks associated with early marriage or child marriage, especially for female students in Islamic boarding schools. The lack of quality education, both general and religious, often leads to the misinterpretation of religious doctrines, which can harm women and children. This often affects female students in Islamic boarding schools, many of whom come from rural areas. According to Law No. 1 of 1974 concerning marriage, the legal age for marriage is 19 years. However, due to socio-economic and educational factors, parents often resort to early marriage as a means to alleviate poverty for their children. This service is implemented by measuring participants' knowledge and understanding before and after the counseling sessions.