Child marriage is a deep-rooted issue in Rajasthan that continues to plague the lives of young girls in the state. The practice of marrying off girls before they reach the legal age of 18 is a violation of their rights and has long-lasting negative consequences.
In many cases, child marriage is driven by factors such as poverty, limited access to education, and social norms that prioritize early marriage for girls. Families may see marrying off their daughters at a young age as a way to alleviate financial burdens or secure their future. However, the reality is that child brides are more likely to experience domestic violence, drop out of school, and face serious health risks.
Rajasthan has one of the highest rates of child marriage in India, with more than one in five girls being married before they turn 18. The government has taken steps to address this issue, including implementing laws to prohibit child marriage and increasing access to education and healthcare services for girls. However, enforcement of these laws remains a challenge, particularly in rural areas where traditional practices continue to hold sway.
Efforts to combat child marriage in Rajasthan must focus on empowering girls and their families, educating communities about the harmful effects of early marriage, and providing support services for young girls who are at risk. By investing in girls’ education, promoting gender equality, and raising awareness about the importance of delaying marriage until adulthood, we can work towards ending the practice of child marriage in Rajasthan and ensuring a brighter future for all girls in the state.
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
