Child Marriage
Legally, a minor is defined as an individual in the childhood phase who remains under the guardianship of a parent or legal custodian. This term also refers to anyone incapable of assuming legal responsibility for themselves, and they are directly connected to their family unit. In most countries around the world, anyone below the age of eighteen is deemed a legal minor.
The issue of child marriage is a serious social phenomenon that remains prevalent in many parts of the world today. This practice often leads to various social, emotional, and psychological challenges, particularly for those girls who marry at a young age. Child marriage is especially common among girls aged 8 to 15 years, and the nature of these unions can vary based on a range of influential social factors.
Human rights organizations and various advocacy groups are actively working to combat the child marriage phenomenon. They advocate for the implementation of penalties against individuals who marry off their minor daughters, thus depriving them of essential human rights, including the right to life and education. International laws universally emphasize the protection of children’s rights and the provision of necessary care to ensure they thrive in a safe and healthy environment.
Causes of Child Marriage
- Poverty is a critical driving force behind child marriage, especially prevalent in impoverished areas where families are large. Parents may feel compelled to marry off their daughters at a young age to alleviate the financial burden of supporting them.
- Cultural norms and traditions significantly influence the continuation of child marriage. Societies steeped in customary practices may view the early marriage of girls as a societal norm, perpetuating these ideas across generations.
- Low educational levels among families, characterized by a lack of awareness regarding the dangers and consequences associated with marrying off a young girl, contribute to this issue. Many families do not recognize that such young individuals are ill-equipped to handle the responsibilities of a spouse and parent.
Consequences of Child Marriage
Psychological Effects
Many young girls experience severe psychological disturbances as a result of the trauma linked to early marriage. This emotional shock is particularly hard-hitting because they are thrust directly from childhood into adulthood without experiencing the typical transitional stages. Consequently, numerous girls face various mental health issues, including severe depression, anxiety, and other disorders.
Social Consequences
A girl who enters into child marriage often feels a loss of her social identity, leading to a diminished sense of individuality. She is stripped of her basic rights to live freely and pursue a proper education. Additionally, due to remaining in a childlike state both physically and mentally, she lacks the necessary skills to care for children effectively, making her unprepared for the complexities of parenting at such a young age.