CHILD MARRIAGE

Child Marriage
 Definition: Legally, a child marriage is a marriage in
which the bride has not attained 18 years of age and the
bride groom has not attained 21 years of age.

According to child marriage act 1978 the minimum age for

marriage for boy is 21 years and that for girl is 18 years.

Reasons for child marriage:

At its heart, child marriage is rooted in gender inequality and
the belief that girls and women are somehow inferior to boys
and men. Child marriage is a complex issue. Poverty, lack of
education, cultural practices, and insecurity are the main reasons
of child marriages.
Insecurity: Some parents marry their daughters young because
they feel it is in her best interest, often to ensure her safety in
areas where girls are at high risk of harassment and physical or
sexual assault.
Poverty: Where poverty is acute, families and sometimes girls
themselves believe that marriage will be a solution to secure
their future.
Traditional practice: Child marriage is a traditional practice
that in many places happens simply because it has happened for
generations.
Agricultural economy: Help for agricultural work.
Dowry: As the age advances, demand for dowry may increase
 Consequences of child marriage:
1. Child/couple is not able to fulfill the rsponsiblities of
family life.
2. Early pregnancy is harmful for health of the girl
3. Over population: very young couples give birth to
large number of children. Fertility is high.
4. Personality development is hindered. Talents,
education, self interest remains aside
5. Female illiteracy or poor educational achievement is
common
6. May lead to marital disputes after few years
because of incompatible partners
7. Child widow
 Control and remedy:
1. Female literacy and education
2. Use of mass media such as newspaper, TV, radio to aware people
3. Elimination of dowry system
4. Inter caste and inter community marriages should be encouraged
5. Enforcement of law

6. SUPPORTING YOUNG PEOPLE TO BE AGENTS OF CHANGE

Supporting young people to be agents of change can be an effective and
empowering process in and of itself. Many organizations work with young
people so they can advocate for change as well as helping to inform the
design of programmes that directly benefit their peers.
Youth groups, encouraging dialogue between youth and community
leaders, and building the capacity of young people are all ways of
supporting young people to be champions of change in their own
communities

7. Marriage registration with age and other particulars

8. Strict government policies against child marriage