Child marriage remains a pervasive and detrimental practice that affects millions of girls worldwide, which robs them of their childhood, chances, and basic human rights. In this article, we examine the significant effects of child marriage and emphasise the pressing necessity of dealing with this negative trend.
Child marriage, which is any union in which one or both partners are under the age of 18, feeds the cycle of sexism and poverty. Devastating repercussions frequently occur when girls are coerced into young marriages. Being forced into adult responsibilities and roles before they are emotionally and physically capable compromises their physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. Their lack of knowledge limits their opportunities and feeds the poverty cycle.
The effects of child marriage are extensive. Due to early pregnancies, girls are more likely to experience domestic violence, sexual abuse, and issues with maternal health. They frequently do not have the freedom to make choices about their own bodies, such as family planning and reproductive health
Consolidated efforts must be conducted at many levels to combat child marriage. To ensure that girls have legal protection, governments must bolster and implement laws that set the minimum age for marriage at 18.
To effectively combat child marriage, cooperation between governments, civil society organisations, and international organisations is crucial. By giving girls the knowledge, skills, and resources they need, we can help them take control of their futures, break the cycle of child marriage, and contribute to the social and economic advancement of their communities.
As a result of robbing girls of their childhood, restricting their possibilities, and sustaining cycles of poverty and inequality, child marriage continues to be a serious problem. A multifaceted strategy involving governmental action, community involvement, education, and empowerment is needed to end child marriage. We can break down the barriers that support child marriage by banding together and investing in the potential and well-being of girls. By doing this, we can build a future in which every child can flourish and realise their potential.