Child Marriage- A Losing game

 

“I have always held that Early marriage is a sure indication of second-rated goods that had to be sold in a hurry” - Martin Harris

 Child Marriage is defined as a marriage of a girl or boy before the age of 18 and refers to both formal marriage and informal unions in which children under the age of 18 live with a partner as if married.

Each year 12 million girls are married underage. That’s 23 girls every minute. Child marriage invades child rights and keeps them at high risk. The main reason for child marriage is the interplay of economic and social forces. In some communities, child marriage is a part of social norms and attitudes. Not just child marriage violates the child's right but has long-term consequences too. Child brides are not physically or emotionally ready to become wives and mothers. They are at higher risk of facing complication during pregnancy and childbirth and other domestic violence

Child brides can be found in every corner of the world. It is a global problem. South Asia has the highest rate of child marriage. India, Bangladesh, Nepal has the highest rate of child marriage. Where India has the largest number of brides in the world and Bangladesh fourth in the world having high rates of child marriage

How to eradicate Child Marriage? In recent times child marriage has secured positions on international and national development agenda. In 2013 UNHRC passed resolutions against child marriage. It recognizes child marriage as a human right violation and pledges to eliminate it. WHO has taken various initiatives to empower young girls, educate parents and provide economic assistance. Indian Government has imposed a fine of Rs 1lakh or imprisonment for 2 years whoever performs conduct any child marriage.

Laws are necessary to tackle child marriage but it is not enough. A board set of policies and programmatic intervention are needed.

1. We need to increase agency and resources for adolescent

2. Enhance legal and policy framework

3. Enhance system and services to respond to child marriage

4. Increase social actions, acceptance, and visibility

But eradicating child marriage requires work across all levels. It requires us to understand the root cause of the problem and practices in a different context and adapt our interventions accordingly.

Research states the importance of education for girls and their families. Child marriage spoils the childhood and health of infants. Education not only delays marriage but school-based sex education can be effective in creating awareness reducing the risks.

 Sugyan Mohanty