Question:“Child marriage: not just a girls' problem but an economic disaster” Do you agree with this statement. How far this practice is affecting indian society and economy? Discuss.
Suggested approach:Social issues connected with economic impact has been always a good stuff for UPSC. so while dealing with such issues keep in mind that these issues must be discussed with broader or global attributes keeping indian constraints in mind.Child marriage is a human rights violation. Despite laws against it, the practice remains widespread, in part because of persistent poverty and gender inequality. In developing countries, one in every three girls is married before reaching age 18. One in nine is married under age 15. Please write your answer carefully.
Model answer:
- Child marriage, defined as a formal marriage or informal union before age 18, is a reality for both boys and girls, although girls are disproportionately the most affected. Child marriage is widespread and can lead to a lifetime of disadvantage and deprivation.
- child marriage violates their human rights. It threatens their lives and health, as well as their future prospects, exposing them to early pregnancy, and increasing their vulnerability to exploitation and abuse. Child marriage, quite simply, robs them of their future.
- Early marriage put girls at risk of complications in pregnancy or childbirth – complications that are a leading cause of death among older adolescents in developing countries.
- Including sexual violence, than girls who marry over the age of 18, and to be more exposed to sexually transmitted diseases and HIV.
- drop out of school rate increase so they can assume household responsibilities, losing the right to complete their education. Child marriage limits their opportunities, including their job prospects, and has long-term effects on their families.
- The families That are separated during natural disasters or conflicts, or when they are faced with economic hardships that prompt parents to marry off their underage daughters.
Economic impact:
- The cost of child marriage considered solely from the labour-market perspective is estimated at almost 75,000 million
- Initial findings from the analysis of existing data indicate that, in addition to the harmful effects on girl’s health, education, rights and wellbeing – the economic impacts of child marriage are significant.
- Unequal power relations between men and women, women’s and girl's’ restricted rights and opportunities, and norms which place a higher value on sons than daughters, all reinforce the practice.
So what's being done?
- Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that underpin the 2030 Agenda, whose central pledge is to leave no one behind.
- In partnership with governments in implementing proven strategies for change: keeping children – especially girls – in school, increasing their access to healthcare, educating their parents and communities, increasing economic support to families, and putting in place and enforcing legislation.
Conclusion:
- Strong partnerships at all levels are required to end child marriage. The scale of the problem requires all of us – governments, local actors, the global community and the United Nations – to act together. All of us need to join hands to give back to children their choices, their dreams, their futures and their childhoods.
