MEANING–

According to Wikipedia definition of child marriage;

Child marriage is a formal marriage or an informal union entered into by an individual before reaching a certain age, specified by several global organizations such as UNICEF as minors under the age of 18.

CAUSES OF CHILD MARRIAGE

After much conversation with some enlighten individuals in the society where I live I was able to gather some basic causes of child marriage. Here are the lists;

1. Level of education
2. Poverty
3. Women's status in the society

1. LEVEL OF EDUCATION: Most women with no formal education were married before 18, compared to those who had completed higher education. Further education is almost impossible for some girls, who have little choice but to depend on their husbands for the rest of their lives.

2. POVERTY: Poverty is the critical factor contributing to early marriage. Where poverty is acute, a young girl may be regarded as an economic burden and her marriage to a much older man.

3. WOMEN'S STATUS IN SOCIETY: The status of women in society plays a key role in early marriage; women are seen as inferior and they are neglected and despised. A girl is seen as a burden given the fact that she will get married elsewhere and leave her family.

EFFECTS OF CHILD MARRIAGE

The following are the major effects of child marriage:

1. Psychosocial disadvantage
2. Risk of physical and sexual violence
3.Right to education

1. PSYCHOSOCIAL DISADVANTAGE:The loss of adolescence, the forced sexual relations, and the denial of freedom and personal development as a result of early/child marriage have led to psychosocial and emotional consequences. Inadequate socialization is also another part from this child marriage; they have nobody to talk to as they are surrounded by people who endorse their situation. Young girls suffered from traumas as a result of early marriage, premature sex and child bearing.

2. RISK OF PHYSICAL AND SEXUAL VIOLENCE: Some of the most heart-breaking stories that I have heard in my life are from child brides who describe the sexual and physical violence they have faced from their husbands and, in some cases, their in-laws. Child brides are often made to leave school, are more likely to experience domestic violence, and are at higher risk of dying from pregnancy and childbirth complications.

3. CHILD MARRIAGE VIOLATES A GIRLS BASIC RIGHTS( RIGHT TO HAVE SEX, RIGHT TO EDUCATION) : Child marriage is a form of violence because it violates a girls basic rights. The right to education is been violated due to child marriage. Lack of education means that young brides often don't know about sex, are ignorant about their bodies and unaware about the mechanics of reproduction.

SOLUTION/PREVENTIVE MEASURE TAKEN TO ERADICATE CHILD MARRIAGES

According to ICRW, This policy brief highlights five evidence-based strategies identified by ICRW to delay or prevent child marriage:

1. Empower girls with information, skills and support networks.

2. Provide economic support and incentives to girls and their families.

3. Educate and rally parents and community members.

4. Enhance girls access to a high-quality education.

5. Encourage supportive laws and policies.

According to UNICEF, Our work covers five key areas:

1. Support for development and participation of adolescent girls.

2.Strengthening legal systems to protect the rights of adolescent girls and boys.

3. Carrying out cutting-edge research to build a robust evidence base for advocacy, policies, and programmes and tracking progress.

4. Strengthening services to help adolescents at risk of, or affected by, child marriage, particularly girls.

5. Raising awareness of the need to invest in and support girls, and shifting the social expectations that stifle their prospects.

I will like to ask a simple question for my fellow readers and viewers.

1. What is your own views and contributions on this articles?

2. Are you aware of existence of early marriage in your area? If so, explain

3. What are your perceptions on girls who marry early?

4. Do these young girls enjoy in this marriage? Elaborate?

5. How does early marriage affect the girl child in your opinion?

6. What in your view is the best way forward to solve this problem?

7. Do parents in any way play a role to this practice of early marriage?

8. Does culture in any way contribute to early marriage?

Please let me know all your reactions, views and insights in the comment box below!

Written by:

Kogwuonye Patrick Onyeka

Writer/Blogger/Educator/Tutor

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