Meetali soni
WHAT IS CHILD MARRIAGE ?
Child marriage is the system which is mostly held in villages. Child marriage simply refers to marriage under the age of 18 .One of the most common causes of child marriage is the tradition which has been in practice for a long time. In many places, ever since a girl is born, they consider her to be someone else’s property. Early marriage is a harmful practice in girls their right to make vital decisions about their sexual health and well-being. It forces them out of education and into a life of poor prospects, with an increased risk of violence, abuse, ill health or early death.Early marriage and forced marriage is highest in Sub-Saharan Africa where 38% of girls become child brides. Girls married early are more likely to experience violence, abuse and forced sexual relations due to unequal power relations. They are more vulnerable to sexually transmitted infections (including HIV). Going to school gives girls choices and opportunities in life, allowing them to play an active role in their communities and break the cycle of poverty. Girls who are married are unlikely to be in school. Education, including comprehensive sexuality education, is essential for girls to be able to make informed decisions about their sexual health and well-being. Millions of girls to avoid marriage, stay in school and decide for themselves whether and when to marry.
They do early marriages becauses child marriages include poverty, bride price, dowry, cultural traditions, religious and social pressures, regional customs, fear of the child remaining unmarried into adulthood, illiteracy, and perceived inability of women to work for money. Early pregnancy is one of the most dangerous causes and consequences of this harmful practice. Interrupting her schooling and limiting her opportunities for career and vocational advancement.Before the COVID-19 pandemic, more than 100 million girls were expected to marry before their eighteenth birthday in the next decade. Child marriage robs girls of their childhood and threatens their lives and health. Girls who marry before 18 are more likely to experience domestic violence and less likely to remain in school. They have worse economic and health outcomes than their unmarried peers. Child brides become pregnant during adolescence, the risk of complications during pregnancy and childbirth increases – for themselves and their infants. Child marriage impacts a girl’s health, future and family.
While boys and girls who marry in childhood do not face the same risks and consequences due to biological and social differences, the practice is nonetheless a rights violation for children of both sexes. Similar to child brides, child grooms are forced to take on adult responsibilities for which they may not be prepared. The union may bring early fatherhood and result in additional economic pressure in the form of providing for the household; it may also constrain the boy’s access to education and opportunities for career advancement. Bride Price is when the family of the groom pay their future in-laws at the start of their marriage. The payment can be made up of money, presents, or a mixture of both. It’s sometimes paid in one go. 12 million girls marry before the age of 18 each year – almost one every 2 seconds.
There was a most famous serial which was played on the colous channel ”BALIKA VADHU ” . This serial is based on fight againt child marriage .
If we want to end this worst system , we have to educate girls and boys .
Thanks for reading ……
