Child marriage continues to be a pressing issue in India, despite efforts to combat the practice. Young girls, some as young as eight or nine years old, are often forced into marriage with much older men. This harmful tradition perpetuates cycles of poverty, illiteracy, and poor health, as child brides are more likely to drop out of school and experience early pregnancies.
Furthermore, child marriage violates the rights of children, as they are not able to give their full consent to such a life-altering decision. Many girls are taken out of school and forced into domestic roles, depriving them of their right to education and personal development. Additionally, child brides are at a higher risk of experiencing domestic violence and health complications due to early pregnancies.
Despite laws being in place to prevent child marriage in India, enforcement remains a challenge. Deeply ingrained cultural norms and traditions continue to perpetuate the practice, making it difficult to eradicate. However, there have been some positive strides in recent years, with awareness campaigns, community programs, and advocacy efforts aimed at ending child marriage.
It is crucial for society as a whole to come together to address the root causes of child marriage and work towards creating a safe and supportive environment for young girls. By investing in education, empowering women and girls, and challenging harmful social norms, we can break the cycle of child marriage and ensure a brighter future for the next generation.Together, we can make a difference and create a world where every child has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential.
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
