Child Marriage

1353 Words6 Pages

CHAPTER NO 1
INTRODUCTION
1.1 The Context and Background of the Study
Throughout the world, marriage is regarded as a moment of celebration and a landmark in adult life. Sadly, the practice of early marriage gives no such cause for celebration. All too often, the burden of a marriage partner upon a child means that a girl or boy’s childhood is cut short and their fundamental rights are compromised. Over the last thirty years with UNICEF in Asia, the phenomena of child marriage and early marriage on numerous occasions. While much of the impact remains hidden, it is absolutely clear that millions of children and young people particularly girls suffer negative consequences. The reasons for the perpetuation of early marriage, and its possible increase …show more content…

It is a cultural phenomenon not only in Africa but also outside. In India, bride wealth as a gift to a daughter married is like a bribe to the groom for taking one’s daughter off one’s hands (Rao, 1993). This is closely tied to the fact that culturally women are of low status as compared to men. Additionally, grooms of different professions have unspoken but well established rates for bride wealth. In some, the bride price decreases as the girl gets older. This implies that parents would want to marry off the daughters as fast as possible. Bride wealth enhances the practice in most African communities as it is highly valued and encourages parents to marry off their children soon. It is a source of wealth and prestige when given in the form of livestock such as cattle, goats, and sheep among others. The more livestock one has the more wealthy one is, hence, more respect (UNICEF, …show more content…

It can be argued that poverty is related to culture to a certain degree. This is due to the fact that some people do not work hard and have cultivated the spirit of dependence. Where there is acute poverty, a young girl may be seen as an economic burden, when purchased will relieve the family financially and socially Hence, marriage is considered a transaction, a significant economic activity. In most African communities, bride wealth is linked. With marriage. In the context of Poverty, therefore, this practice encourages child marriage. In addition, some communities do not regard the education of the girl highly as that of the boy. The girls are married off early and are seen as a source of wealth. (ICRW,

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