One of the most pressing issues in Indian society is believed to be child marriage. It refers to a social practice where a young girl is married to an adult man, which occurs in several Indian communities. Another way in which child marriage is practised is when the parents of both the bride and groom plan their future marriage. In such marriages the girl and the boy aren’t allowed to meet until they are of marriageable age.
In comparison to boys, girls with lower levels of education, fewer or no peer networks, limited mobility, and less access to mainstream media like radio, television, and newspapers are more likely to get married at an early age.
The primary reason for early marriage is the notion of the high fertility rate; the earlier a woman marries, she is more likely to have many children, imposing a great burden on her health. To take this issue under control, The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 was drafted.
Reasons for Child Marriage
From conception to death, women are more prone to get subjected to discrimination. Their education, family, sociopolitical realms, employment, and workplace are all affected by the discrimination. These discriminations against women are also reflected in the system of child marriage. The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 discusses the impact and rights of women in case of child marriage. There are numerous causes of child marriages, including the following:
Poverty of Family
Even today, when a family is struggling and resources are scarce, many women and girls are denied access to basic resources in rural areas. Family poverty first affects the female members of the family members, especially girl children. An impoverished household typically puts its female children in danger. Every opportunity is taken to prevent bearing the burden of a female child. In order to avoid the various responsibilities that come with having a female child, families often turn to child marriages as a result of poverty. The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 strongly brings out the point about the prohibition of child marriage.
Social Insecurity
One of the main societal causes of child marriage is social security. Many people believe that married women are far more protected from social offences than single women. Unmarried women are frequently the victims of crimes motivated by ill will. Therefore, in order to protect their daughters from these crimes, assaults, and taunts against unmarried girls, their parents rush to marry their daughters as soon as possible, following or even before the onset of puberty. Many NGOs like Save the Children, are taking steps towards the eradication of child marriage and are working on the norms based on The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006.
Effects of Child Marriage
Child Marriage has an unfortunate effect on both the boy and girl. But, due to the male dominance of society, girls usually suffer more. The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 unfolds the punishment of imprisonment for anyone who forces a child marriage.
Early pregnancy: health issues
Child marriages frequently result in an early pregnancy, which has several negative health effects. She cannot adjust to changes in her during pregnancy if she has the correct understanding of the sexual activities and physical changes that take place during adolescence.
Reduced Fertility in Older Age
Early marriage usually results in a girl having more children and unintended pregnancies. Women are obliged to become pregnant and carry the child because they lack access to contemporary medical facilities that could prevent or delay pregnancy.
Lack of Planning or Family Management Skills
Young girls have less authority over their offspring and are deemed less capable of making choices regarding their dietary needs, medical care, and household administration.
Impact of Child Marriage
Adolescent pregnancy, which involves significant health hazards, is significantly increased by child marriage, which also raises the risk of STIs and gender-based violence (GBV). In some circumstances, child marriage also impacts girls’ physical and mental health and a violation of their human rights.
There are too many concerns associated with child marriage in India. Many innocent people died, and kids who should have been receiving a basic education ended up being bound by parental demands. Both the children’s physical and mental health was impacted by this. The youth of tomorrow are the children of today.. In order to create a powerful nation, they must receive the correct education, and the laws of The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 should be strongly implemented.
