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SAFEGUARDING FUTURES: BAN CHILD MARRIAGE
What is Child Marriage?
Child marriage is a deeply ingrained and harmful practice affecting millions of children globally. It involves marrying children under the age of 18, often without their consent, driven by cultural, economic, and social factors. This blog delves into the issue of child marriage, its causes, consequences, and the ongoing efforts to eradicate this detrimental practice.
In India, according to Indian law, child marriage is defined as a marriage where either the woman or man is below the age of 21. Most child marriages involve girls, often from poor socio-economic backgrounds, and the practice remains prevalent in many parts of the country.
Who Can Be a Victim?
The majority of victims are young girls aged between 13 and 30. When the individual is under 18, it also constitutes child abuse. While boys can also be victims, they account for approximately 15% of cases. Girls who marry before 18 are less likely to attend school and more likely to drop out, perpetuating a cycle of poverty and limited opportunities.
Understanding Child Marriage
Awareness is growing about the severe consequences of child marriage, especially for girls. This includes negative impacts on education and significant risks to physical and psychological health. While not all marriages involving children equate to slavery, child marriage can obscure cases of slavery or slavery-like practices.
Key Aspects of Child Marriage
- Age: Typically involves one or both partners being under 18, which is below the legal marriage age in many countries.
- Consent: Often, children are married without their free and informed consent, forced or pressured into these unions.
- Power Imbalance: Driven by unequal gender dynamics, with girls being more vulnerable.
- Cultural and Economic Factors: Influenced by traditions, dowry practices, social expectations, and poverty.
Causes of Child Marriage
Child marriage persists in communities with widespread poverty, high birth and death rates, and limited access to education and healthcare. It is often seen as a strategy for short-term financial security.
- Gender Inequality: Societal norms that prioritize men over women perpetuate child marriage, viewing girls as property.
- Lack of Education: Limited access to education, especially for girls, increases the likelihood of child marriage.
- Poverty: Families in poverty may marry off their children early, believing it secures a better future. Dowry practices also incentivize early marriages.
- Cultural Norms: Traditional customs pressure families to marry off their children young, especially where child marriage is the norm.
Consequences of Child Marriage
Child marriage has devastating impacts, including:
- Health Risks: Early pregnancy and childbirth complications, higher infant mortality rates.
- Limited Opportunities: Ends education and personal/economic growth prospects.
- Domestic Violence: Higher risk of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse.
- Reproductive Rights: Little control over reproductive choices.
- Psychological Impact: Lasting trauma, depression, and anxiety.
Efforts to Eradicate Child Marriage
Global efforts to end child marriage involve:
- Legal Reforms: Raising the legal marriage age to 18, with penalties for violators.
- Education: Promoting quality education for girls to reduce child marriage rates.
- Community Engagement: Working with local and religious leaders to change social norms.
- Economic Empowerment: Providing economic opportunities to families to reduce reliance on child marriage.
Notable Cases and Regional Efforts
- Nujood Ali (Yemen): Married at 10, sought divorce, highlighting child marriages.
- Samiya David (Uganda): Forced marriage at 15, case set a legal precedent.
- Sherry Johnson (USA): Married at 11, worked to change Florida’s marriage laws.
- Amina Filali (Morocco): Forced to marry rapist, committed suicide, sparked legal reforms.
- Sahar Gul (Afghanistan): Married at 13, severe abuse, case highlighted plight of young girls.
In regions like Europe and Central Asia, gender attitudes reinforce stereotypical roles for girls, limiting their opportunities and perpetuating child marriage. Rates are higher among marginalized communities, including Roma girls and refugee populations, especially during humanitarian emergencies.
UNICEF’s Approach
UNICEF aims to end child marriage by focusing on the most at-risk girls, promoting education, and mobilizing societal influences to give girls control over their lives.
The solution
UNICEF addresses child marriage through a multi-sectoral approach, including:
- Supporting Adolescent Development: Encouraging the growth and participation of adolescent girls.
- Strengthening Legal Systems: Protecting adolescent rights through robust legal frameworks.
- Research: Building evidence for advocacy and program development.
- Enhancing Services: Providing support to adolescents at risk or affected by child marriage.
- Raising Awareness: Promoting investment in and support for girls, challenging social expectations.