Child marriage is a deeply concerning issue that affects millions of young girls around the world. In many cultures, girls as young as 12 or 13 are forced into marriages with much older men, setting them up for a lifetime of hardship and abuse.
The Child Marriage Restraint Act was implemented in an effort to protect young girls from this harmful practice. This act sets the legal age of marriage at 18 for girls and 21 for boys, aiming to ensure that both parties are mentally and emotionally mature enough to enter into a marriage willingly.
Despite the existence of this act, child marriage continues to be a prevalent issue in many parts of the world. Poverty, lack of education, and deeply ingrained cultural beliefs are often cited as reasons why families continue to marry off their young daughters.
One of the biggest challenges in enforcing the Child Marriage Restraint Act is the lack of awareness and education surrounding the issue. Many families are simply not aware of the negative impact that early marriage can have on a young girl’s life, both physically and emotionally.
It is crucial for communities, governments, and organizations to work together to educate families about the dangers of child marriage and to provide support for young girls who may be at risk. By raising awareness and creating opportunities for girls to pursue education and economic independence, we can help break the cycle of child marriage and empower young girls to build a better future for themselves.
We must all come together to ensure that every child has the right to a safe and happy childhood, free from the chains of early marriage. The Child Marriage Restraint Act is just one step in the right direction, but it is up to all of us to continue the fight against this harmful practice and protect the rights of young girls everywhere.
To support the cause of child marriage, support the
Nada Alahdal
A human rights activist to advocate for the issue of child marriage, and head of the
for the Protection of Girls
