In
times of the modernization, females of our society still suffer in a variety of
ways. One common practice that deprives women from their basic human rights is
early marriages. There are number of reasons responsible for this practice such
as, poverty, gender norms, harmful traditional practices, a religious practice
and so more. No reason can justify this practice due to its severe impacts such
as maternal mortality. Such harmful consequences of child girl marriages have
led many female activists and health policy makers as well to take measures
against this practice. Internationally,
measures are being taken in order to eliminate this practice. 5.3 target of
sustainable development goals, aims to eliminate forced and early child
marriages by 2030
The concern of the world regarding the
practice of child girl marriages has a firm basis. Child girl marriages lead to
some serious consequences such as health issues. For instance, child and
maternal mortality are common consequence of girls under the age of 18 getting
through reproductive process 10 to 14 years of girls is at higher risk than the
age group above. Other than this, there is an increased risk for
sexually transmitted diseases, cervical cancer, and obstetric fistulas. Along
with these health issues, psychological issues such as depression and anxiety
are also observed. It might come from over burden to which they are exposed as
compared to their age. These issues not only affect the girls but affect the
whole family and society. Since when mother is not physically and mentally fit,
neither she can rear children in a proper way nor can she take care of anyone
else. This ends up into social instability. Considering these risks, one can
totally understand that why female activists and policy makers are so active to
stop this practice, since no custom is more important than the health of a
person.
Child marriage is a human right
violation that prevents girls from obtaining an education, enjoying optimal
heath, maturing and ultimately choosing their own life partners. Moreover it
makes girls entirely dependent on their husbands and family. Due to which a lot
of women have to continue their unhappy marital life as well just because of
the fact that they are not financially independent since they were married in
their childhood. And they were not able to continue their education or learn
any skill. So they continue to go through the inhumane treatment for instance domestic
violence is very common in Pakistan, around 5000 women are killed per year from
domestic violence, with thousands of others maimed or disabled. This is also
known as gender based violence. According to a research, 35% of women worldwide
experience gender based violence .
As a basic human right, girls shall be given
this right to marry after they get adult and with their own choice as well.
From all the consequences it can be concluded that early girl marriages is not
a healthy a practice, not only for girl herself but the other members around
her as well. There is a need to re-pattern this practice. In order to stop this
practice parental and girl education is needed, an active role by
government-for implantation of existing laws is required and last but not the
least electronic and print media shall play a role by making people aware of
the consequences of early girl marriages.
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