Does Child Marriage (A Social Menace) Still Exist?

''Let a child be a child". Child marriage has been practiced in many parts of the world for a very long time. It is an ill practice that violates the rights of children in a way that often leads to a lifetime disadvantage. It has been seen that mostly suffer from child marriage because of the mentality of people that girls are inferior. Major causes of child marriage are religious & social pressure, regional customs, illiteracy, fear of remaining unmarried, dowry and poverty. It has been observed that 1 in 5 girls in the world is said to be married before 18. Over 650 million women alive today were married as children and 12 million girls are married before 18 each year. Also, child marriage is still continuing in Bangladesh, Mali, Chad, Niger, and Guinea with a rate above 60%. Despite being prohibited by international law, it continues to rob millions of girls under 18 around the world of their childhood. Early marriage denies girls their rights to make vital decisions about their sexual health and well-being, it forces them out of education and into a life of poor prospects, with an increased risk of violence. Child marriage is a social menace but it can be stopped if each and every person of the world, take a pledge to save our children from being exploited. Girls should be empowered with skill information. Economic support should be provided to them and their family. Enhance girls' access to high-quality education. Every person should learn that '' There is no reason. There is no excuse, child marriage is child abuse".

By: Isha Sharma

School: S.D. Public School

Class: 10th