The journey of Jyotsna Akhter, a schoolgirl from Tripura who transformed from a victim of child marriage to an advocate against it, is both inspiring and a stark reminder of the persistent challenge that child marriages pose in India. Despite significant legal frameworks and awareness campaigns, child marriage remains a deeply entrenched issue that continues to affect millions of young girls and boys across the country.
Child marriage in India is defined as a marriage where either the bride or groom is below the legal age of 18 for girls and 21 for boys. According to recent data, 23.3% of women aged 20-24 were married before the age of 18. This practice is particularly prevalent in states like Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, Telangana, Tripura, and West Bengal. The consequences of child marriage are severe, including interrupted education, health risks due to early pregnancies, and limited opportunities for personal and economic growth.
India has made several legal strides to combat child marriage. The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (PCMA), 2006, prohibits the marriage of girls under 18 and boys under 21. Additionally, the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, provides for the care and protection of children at risk of early marriage2. Despite these laws, enforcement remains weak, particularly in rural and remote areas where traditional and cultural norms often take precedence over legal mandates.
The persistence of child marriage in India can be attributed to several factors. Families often marry off daughters early to reduce financial burdens and view girls as economic liabilities. In conservative communities, child marriage is seen as a way to preserve family honour and protect girls from premarital relationships.
Girls are often seen as a burden, and marrying them off early is viewed as a way to transfer this burden to the husband’s family. Limited educational opportunities for girls reduce their ability to resist early marriage and pursue alternative aspirations.
Parents may believe that early marriage ensures the safety and security of their daughters in environments where they are at risk of harassment or assault.
To effectively combat child marriage, a multi-faceted approach is required:
– Ensuring that laws against child marriage are strictly enforced and that violators are held accountable is crucial. This includes better training for law enforcement and judicial officers.
– Investing in girls’ education and creating awareness about the importance of keeping girls in school can significantly reduce the incidence of child marriage.
– Providing financial incentives and support to families can help alleviate the economic pressures that drive child marriage.
– Engaging with community leaders and influencers to change cultural and traditional norms that perpetuate child marriage is essential.
– Raising awareness about the negative impacts of child marriage through media, schools, and community programs can help shift public perception and behaviour.