Children are one of life’s greatest gifts, filling our homes with joy and love. For most couples, having children brings a sense of happiness and fulfillment, completing their family. Unfortunately, some view children as a burden rather than a blessing. They may have child after child for reasons such as treating physical activity to relieve stress or passing the time or seeking help with household chores and support.

However, in doing so, they neglect to provide the essential love, care, and rights that children truly deserve, such as access to education. One of the tragic outcomes of this mindset is child marriage, which continues to be a global issue.

The Child Marriage Restraint Act exists to protect children, but many communities still see underage marriages happening.  

This problem is particularly severe for girls, especially in developing countries. Why? Because poverty, cultural beliefs, lack of education, and gender inequality make it hard to break the cycle.  

According to UNICEF, approximately 12 million girls marry before the age of 18 each year, with nearly 40% of girls in some regions married before adulthood. Cultural traditions, poverty, gender inequality, and lack of education sustain this harmful cycle.  

In this blog, we’ll explore the Child Marriage Restraint Act, the impact of child marriage, and how we can work together to end it. Let’s start! 

Child Marriage Restraint Act

The Child Marriage Restraint Act is a law in many countries to prevent underage marriages. Primarily to protect children, especially girls, from the harmful consequences of early marriage.

In Pakistan, for example, the act sets the minimum legal age for marriage at 18 for both men and women. While the law is meant to protect children, weak enforcement and strong cultural traditions often reduce its impact. Child marriage continues, particularly in poor areas where traditional norms are deeply rooted. 

The Role of Poverty in Child Marriage

UNICEF’s global databases on child marriage reveal alarming statistics: 

  • 1 in 5 girls worldwide marry before the age of 18.
  • In sub-Saharan Africa, 35% of girls marry as children, while in South Asia, the figure stands at 30%.
  • Poverty plays a big role in child marriage. Girls from poor families are twice as likely to marry young in comparison to those from wealthier families.

The survey highlights that in countries with high poverty rates, families often view child marriage as a way to reduce economic burdens. For example, in rural areas of Bangladesh and India, dowry practices and the cost of raising a daughter push a family to marry off their girls at a young age. 

Let’s explore how poverty fuels child marriage and its lasting impact. 

1. Economic Hardship and Burden of Dowry

Poverty is a key driver of child marriage, especially in communities facing extreme financial hardship. For many families struggling to afford necessities like food, education, or healthcare, marrying off a daughter may seem like a way to ease their financial burdens. In some cases, families receive a dowry or payment, offering temporary financial relief. 

While there is no concept of dowry in Islam, some Muslims still practice it, believing in a “give and take” arrangement. 

In rural areas of countries like India, Bangladesh, and parts of Africa, poverty-stricken families often view child marriage as a survival strategy, thinking it will provide their daughters with safety and financial security. However, this short-term solution typically leads to long-term harm for the children involved. 

2. Escape from Poverty

Parents may see child marriage as securing a better future for their daughters, believing it provides stability, food security, and financial support, especially if the groom’s family is wealthier. However, this often leads to greater poverty, as child brides face limited access to education and employment. 

The NFHS-5 survey in India highlights key trends in child marriage: 

  • 23% of women aged 20-24 marry before 18, despite the legal age being 18. 
  • Bihar and West Bengal had the highest rates, with 40% and 33% of women tie knot as children, respectively. 
  • Poverty, lack of education, and patriarchal norms were the main drivers. In rural areas, families often see marriage to secure their daughters’ futures, regardless of the impact on their well-being. 

3. Lack of Access to Education 

Education is a powerful tool in breaking the cycle of poverty, but many poor families can’t pay for it and marry off their daughters early, believing they are better suited for household duties. Without education, these young brides remain financially dependent and vulnerable to exploitation. 

While the Child Marriage Restraint Act aims to prevent underage marriages, weak enforcement allows families to continue the practice due to economic pressures. Laws alone can’t end child marriage without addressing poverty. A 2022 survey by Girls Not Brides found: 

  • 12 million girls under 18 marry each year, or 23 girls every minute. 
  • In countries like Niger and Chad, over 75% of girls marry before 18, driven by poverty and cultural norms. 
  • Girls with no formal education are three times more likely to marry early than those with secondary or higher education. 

The Power of Tradition in Child Marriage

Tradition plays an equally significant role in fueling child marriage. In many cultures, marrying young is seen as a normal or even desirable practice.  

1. Social Pressure and Honor 

In many communities, unmarried girls are viewed as a source of shame or dishonor for their families. Cultural beliefs about gender roles, family honor, and societal expectations often take priority over a child’s well-being. Early marriage is seen to protect girls from pre-marital relationships and to relieve families of the perceived financial burden.

In some cases, marrying off daughters early is seen as ensuring their safety and “honor.” These norms are deeply ingrained and passed down through generations, making them difficult to challenge. 

When we study Muslim marriage law, it becomes clear that Islam recommends marriage at the appropriate time to prevent wrongdoing. This guidance is often misinterpreted. Even families aware of the Child Marriage Restraint Act may feel societal pressure to conform to traditional practices. 

2. Gender Inequality 

In many societies, people value boys more than girls, and poverty makes this worse. Families with limited resources focus on their son’s education and future while seeing daughters as a burden.

To reduce this burden, they marry off their daughters early, believing it secures their future. Many still think a girl’s main role is to be a wife and mother, which encourages early marriage instead of education or career growth. These beliefs keep child marriage alive and limit opportunities for many girls. 

3. Lack of Awareness

In poor areas, many people don’t know about the harmful effects of child marriage. Parents may truly think that marrying their daughter young is the best choice for her, without realizing the long-term physical, emotional, and psychological harm. 

The Consequences of Child Marriage

The impact of child marriage is devastating and far-reaching. Girls who marry at a young age often drop out of school. Which limits their opportunities for education and personal growth. They are also at a higher risk of experiencing domestic violence, sexual abuse, and health complications related to early pregnancy. 

Child brides are more likely to face poverty as adults, as they lack the skills and education needed to support themselves. This creates a vicious cycle where poverty leads to child marriage, and child marriage perpetuates poverty. 

Furthermore, child marriage reinforces gender inequality. It sends the message that girls are less valuable than boys and that their primary role is to be wives and mothers. This not only harms the girls themselves but also perpetuates harmful stereotypes that affect entire communities. 

The Child Marriage Restraint Act is an essential step in addressing these challenges. It aims to protect young girls by setting a legal framework to prevent early marriages, promoting their right to education and freedom from exploitation. 

Potential Solutions

To effectively address child marriage, we need to tackle both poverty and tradition. Here are some potential solutions: 

  • Economic Empowerment

Providing families with financial support and income-generating opportunities can reduce the economic pressure to marry off their daughters. Programs that offer microloans, vocational training, or cash transfers have shown promise in some regions. 

  • Education

Keeping girls in school is one of the most effective ways to prevent child marriage. Education empowers girls with knowledge and skills, delays the age of marriage, and challenges traditional gender roles. 

  • Community Engagement

Changing cultural norms requires working closely with communities. Engaging religious leaders, elders, and other influential figures can help shift attitudes and promote the value of girls’ rights. 

  • Strengthening Laws

The Child Marriage Restraint Act is a crucial step, but stronger enforcement is needed. Law enforcement officials should receive proper training. Moreover, awareness about the law must increase, so that victims get support. 

  • Healthcare and Support Services

Providing access to reproductive health services and counseling can help protect the physical and mental well-being of child brides. 

  • Raising Awareness

Campaigns that highlight the harms of child marriage and promote gender equality can help change societal attitudes. 

Conclusion

Child marriage is a complex issue driven by poverty and tradition. While the Child Marriage Restraint Act provides a legal framework, it is not enough on its own. To end child marriage, we must address the root causes and ensure every child has the chance to thrive.  

Let’s join hands to protect the rights of girls and ensure that no child is forced into marriage. Together, we can make a difference through the implementation of the Child Marriage Restraint Act and by working towards lasting change.

Simple Rishta

Simple Rishta

We are available from : 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM (Monday to Friday)

I will be back soon

Simple Rishta
Hey there 👋
How can we help you?
Messenger