Child marriage is a violation of human rights whether it happens to a girl or a boy, but it represents perhaps the most prevalent form of sexual abuse and exploitation of girls. The harmful consequences include separation from family and friends, lack of freedom to interact with peers and participate in community activities, and decreased opportunities for education. Child marriage can also result in bonded labour or enslavement, commercial sexual exploitation and violence against the victims. Because they cannot abstain from sex or insist on condom use, child brides are often exposed to such serious health risks as premature pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections and, increasingly, HIV/AIDS...
Parents may consent to child marriages out of economic necessity as many marriages are poverty related, with parents needing the bride price to feed, clothe, educate, and house the rest of the family. It may also be seen as a way to provide male guardianship for their daughters, protect them from sexual assault, avoid pregnancy outside marriage, extend their childbearing years or ensure obedience to the husband's household.
Because marriage before age 18 is so prevalent in many struggling countries, the practice becomes an obstacle to nearly every millennium development goal, which includes - eradicating poverty and hunger; achieving universal primary education; promoting gender equality; protecting children's lives; and, improving health.
The controversy surrounding the alleged marriage of the former governor of Zamfara State, Senator Ahmed Sani Yerima of an Egyptian teenager who is believed to be 13 years old however has to it different interesting dimensions. Senator Yerima is revealed as a veteran for minor marriages. He is reported to have recently divorced a 17 year old he married only 3 years ago and there are suggestions that he could have taken undue advantage of the vulnerability of the family of his alleged child bride for whom he is said to have paid the whooping sum of $100,000.00 as dowry- the little bride’s father is reported to have been his driver in Cairo. If all these information are pulled together and proven to be facts, it will be easy to recognise that the marriage can be anything but conscionable and informed nor akin to one contracted between consenting parties. Not surprisingly, very strong opinions are being expressed for and against the actions of the Senator. It is however shameful that a top government official of his caliber would be caught in such a controversial web as this.
The role of government and civil-society institutions ought to develop and implement systems to prevent, particularly those of women, – including equality, access to education and freedom from exploitation and discrimination. There is the need to establish 18 as the legal age of marriage for girls, as well as boys, and ensure its implementation. Promoting birth and marriage registration will help enforce these laws. Also, expanding children’s knowledge and empowerment is crucial, particularly for girls. Educated girls are less likely to agree to marry at a young age. Attempts to close gender gaps in education can include the establishment of child-friendly schools, cash incentives for parents and the expansion of non-formal education.
Community-level women’s organizations need support to act as effective advocates and educators. Human rights-based development and education programmes can create dynamics leading to a change in customs, hierarchies and prejudices linked to the tradition of child marriage. Counseling services on abuse, reproductive health and protection from HIV infection are imperative for young girls. Girls who run away from marriages need emergency support, as do those running or discourage this practice. Government action is required to review customary and civil law. Because child marriage is closely associated with poverty, government commitment to poverty reduction is likely to lead to a decrease in child marriages.
Marriage is regarded as a private subject in many cultures. Communication campaigns can help create circumstances in which it can be discussed and traditional beliefs about marriage can be examined. To foster behavioural change from within communities, human rights should be emphasized, away from parents forcing them into an unwanted marriage.
Ending child marriage is challenging because even parents who understand its negative impact may find it hard to resist economic and societal pressures and traditions. Though child marriage is entrenched in tradition and culture, change is possible! Very often, girls and their parents want to delay marriage but lack options. Already, some governments and communities around the world are actively working to discourage the practice by raising awareness of the adverse consequences for girls, running programs that provide girls with viable alternatives to marriage, and demanding more effective enforcement of existing laws that condemn child marriage. Addressing attitudes and customs that promote or condone the practice is vital to changing the acceptable age for marriage. With the right mix of effective programs, policies and political will, millions of girls will have the opportunity to fulfill their potential...They are the future. Let’s save them!
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