The Idea of Marrying a Girl Child
The Idea of Marrying a Girl Child is Completely Unacceptable
Child marriage is a global issue. And we know child marriage violets children’s rights and places them at high risk of violence, exploitation and abuse. Child marriage affects both girls and boys. But it affects girls disproportionately. We can see child marriage in India has been a social evil for centuries. The practice of marrying of young girls some even before they attain puberty has deep roots in Indian history. Here is a look at the history of Child Marriage in India.
- Ancient Period (Vedic Period).
- Medieval Period.
- British Rule.
- Post-Independence.
In ancient period and ancient period girl as young as 8 to 10 years were married of two older men. And in medieval period the age of marriage for girls decreased to 7 to 8 years. Though British officials tried to curb child marriage in India during British rules they decided the minimum age of marriage for girls raise to 12 through the child marriage restraint ACT of 1929, but it was ineffective. We can see after independence the government raised the legal age of marriage for girls to 18 through the child marriage restrictions act of 1976. However this failed to curve the practice successfully. Anyway no rules are effective against child girl marriage. There are some causes of child marriage in India:
Poverty: Poverty is a significant cause of child marriage in India.
Dowry: The desire to receive a dowry is another cause of child marriage in India.
Lack of Education: Lack of Education and awareness among girls and their
families is an important cause of child marriage. Educated people are more aware of the harms of child marriage.
Traditional Beliefs: Traditional and Cultural beliefs and practices continue to
promote child marriage in India. People Belief that early marriage will protect girls. But it is totally a wrong Idea.
Gender Discrimination: Gender Discrimination in Indian society encourages child marriage. We can see also some reasons, lack of enforcement of laws, health concern, cultural norms and lack of opportunities. Lack of opportunities and autonomy for girls in some Indian families and communities pushes parents to marry of their daughters at an early age. In current scenario while the legal age of marriage is 18, but child marriage continues in India, especially in rural and tribal areas. We have to protect it. Policy implementation and socio economic factors are significant hurdles in eradicating child marriage. We need strict law. And proper implementation of laws against child marriage along with social reforms. Beside this social awareness is very important. Stricter punishment for those performing child marriages, better awareness about exciting laws and proper initiatives can be effective for prevent child marriage.
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