Empower Youths To End Child Marriage

Child marriage is one of the most persistent and ancient malpractices that continues to plague modern civilisation. Despite commitments from the UN, governments, and activists worldwide, it remains rampant, often unabated in many regions. According to UNICEF, child marriage has affected a staggering 700 million women globally. In Nepal alone, five million adolescents have been impacted, including 1.5 million under the age of 14. The country ranks eighth worldwide and third in Asia for the prevalence of child marriage.

During my research and interviews across Nepal, I often encounter children — both boys and girls — who are victims and survivors of child marriage. They share heartbreaking stories like: “I was taken out of school to earn money and help clear my father’s debts.” “My mother’s death led my father to marry me off before I could complete my education. I was told a girl was needed to manage the household. Later, I had to provide not just for my family but also for my wife’s needs.” “I wanted to study, but my family married me off, saying I would have better food and clothes in my husband’s house.”

Traditionally, in Nepal, especially within Hindu culture, girls were married off before reaching puberty. It was believed parents would earn blessings by giving away their daughters before menstruation. In those times, there was often a vast age difference between the bride and groom, with girls under 10 marrying teenage or older grooms. Wealthy men who lost their child brides to death or other circumstances often remarried young girls.

Shifting dynamics 

Today, the dynamics have shifted. Studies show that minors are increasingly choosing marriage themselves, influenced by the concept of “love marriage.” In such cases, the age difference is minimal, with couples often being of a similar age. Social media, particularly Facebook, has facilitated such connections. However, most of these children are unaware of the responsibilities and challenges of marriage, leading to adverse effects on their mental, physical, and financial well-being.

Several social, economic, traditional, cultural, religious, and political factors play critical roles. Among these, economic and financial factors often go unnoticed but remain some of the most significant drivers. In countries like Nepal, girls are still perceived as burdens, prompting families to marry them off early and send them to their husbands’ homes, where they are expected to receive better nutrition and rights. Ironically, a child denied equal treatment and basic human rights in her own home is unlikely to find them in someone else’s. This deeply ingrained value system fosters a belief among children that life will be better elsewhere, perpetuating the cycle of child marriage. The notion that "the grass is greener on the other side" is a reflection of societal norms that prioritise shifting responsibilities over addressing systemic inequalities.

From November 23 to 25, 2024, a national assembly of Child Human Rights Defenders was organised by the National Action and Coordinating Group to End Violence Against Children (NACG Nepal), the consortium of organisations working for child participation (consortium Nepal), and Girls Not Brides Nepal (GNB Nepal). These organisations are addressing child, early, and forced marriage (CEFM), a pervasive issue that perpetuates cycles of violence, poverty, and inequality. The Assembly was organised to coincide with the 16 Days Campaighn to end Violence Against Girls and Women. 

“CEFM is a gross violation of democracy and human rights. Ending it requires more than the efforts of child rights activists; it demands a comprehensive, multisectoral approach that integrates sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), education, economic empowerment, and gender-transformative perspectives” said Shristie Kolakshapati of GNB Nepal during the a panel discussion. Nepal legally recognises 20 as the marital age, but there is increasing debate about lowering it to 18. Proponents argue that adolescents are becoming sexually active earlier, resulting in minor boys being imprisoned for consensual relationships with minor girls. However, instead of lowering the marital age, it is critical to implement comprehensive education programmes.

Sex education in schools and communities can help young people understand the adverse effects of early sexual activity. It is crucial to discuss openly the health risks of early pregnancies and the responsibilities of young parenthood. Although Nepal’s policies include sex education in schools, implementation is inadequate due to poorly trained teachers who often skip the subject out of discomfort. At home, open conversations about these topics are rare. Parents and guardians must be educated to foster dialogue about the physical, emotional, and social impacts of early marriages and relationships. The economic aspect of child marriage is another crucial issue. Parents and children must understand its financial burdens and long-term consequences. Child marriage often forces boys and girls to drop out of school. Girls, in particular, lose access to education and economic opportunities. 

Financial strain

In addition to financial strain, child marriage deprives individuals of developing essential life skills. Without these skills, young couples face difficulty managing household responsibilities and navigating challenges. A national campaign is needed to make life skills education compulsory from grade eight onwards. This curriculum should adopt a gender-transformative approach, teaching young people to respect their own bodies and those of others, negotiate with peers and guardians, and delay actions like child marriage that negatively affect their futures.

Moreover, life skills programmes should include basic financial literacy and vocational training. Teaching children how to plan budgets, save resources, and explore sustainable income-generating activities can help them become self-reliant. Empowered youth are more likely to break free from the cycle of poverty and avoid early marriages, focusing instead on building better futures for themselves and their communities. To truly eradicate child marriage, these efforts must be combined with robust law enforcement and community engagement. Only a holistic multisectoral approach can ensure that the next generation is free from the shackles of this harmful practice.

(Sharma is a senior journalist and women rights advocate. namrata1964@yahoo.com and X:  handle @NamrataSharmaP)