LET'S TALK ABOUT CHILD MARRIAGE TODAY!!

DID YOU KNOW?

 “Childhood is a precious time for innocence, learning and growth.”

Child marriage in all sense must be fought against!!
Child marriage remains a violation of children’s human rights.
Child marriage perpetuates a cycle of poverty and inequality.

Realistically, child marriage can have serious and lasting effects on children’s physical, emotional and mental well-being. Mostly, child marriage leads to early pregnancy, child birth complications and even death. It is associated with traumatic outcomes that can damage one’s mental state before getting the opportunity to grow.

“Children who are forced into marriage often face violence, abuse and exploitation in the hands of their spouses and in-laws. They are denied the chance to finish their academic journey, pursue their dreams and live a fulfilling life.” – Extendedhandsfdn.

Statistic estimation says that 1 in 5 girls are married by the age of 15.
The issue of child marriage cannot be viewed in isolation. Solving it requires a holistic approach.
Imagine a world where childhood is cherished, where children are given the opportunity to grow, learn and thrive.
Unfortunately, in many parts of the world, this is not the reality. Child marriage continues to be a prevalent issue that robs millions of children off of their innocence and future prospects.

The issue of child marriage is deeply rooted in cultural norms and societal expectations. In many rural areas, families view marrying off their daughters at a young age as a way to protect their honour and secure their future. Poverty, lack of education, limited economic prospects also contribute to this alarming practice.
One key factor that contributes to child marriage is the perception that girls are a burden to their families. Marrying them off at a young age is seen as a way to alleviate financial strain and reduce the costs associated with raising a daughter.

Sadly, the truth is this practice has severe and lifelong consequences for victims. The young mothers frequently lack the knowledge and support they need to provide adequate care for their child, perpetuating a cycle of poverty and limited opportunities for future generations.
Mentally and emotionally, child marriage robs off victims of their dreams, aspirations and education. They are deprived of the chance to complete their studies, pursue higher education and build a meaningful career. Instead, they are thrust into adulthood prematurely, taking on responsibilities they are ill-prepared for, resulting in high levels of stress, depressions and anxiety.

Child marriage is not a source of income.
Allow girls to develop to their full potential to discover endless opportunities and possibilities.
Let us move from child marriages being just a talk and help protect the girl child from being violated as a result of cultural and religious beliefs, as means to get an income or as a way to earn a social status within the society.

Do not deprive them of their childhood.

 

RECOMMENDATION

Books to read on the issue of child marriage;

·       The Girl with the Louding Voice by Abi Dare (Nigeria).

·       Daughters of shame by Jasvinder Sanghera (Indonesia)

·       A thousand splendid suns by Khaled Hosseini (Afghanistan).

·       Dominicana by Angie Cruz (USA)

·       Girl of the Southern Sea by Michelle Kadarusman (Indonesia)

·       Pachinko by Min Jin Lee (Korea)

·       The Children of the sea by Natalie Haynes (Greek)