Forced Marriage: A Threat to the Girl Child

In our society, a disturbing trend is emerging, where parents are forcing their underage daughters into marriage, often as a knee-jerk reaction to discovering their daughter with a boy. This archaic practice not only violates the rights of the girl child but also has far-reaching consequences on her physical, emotional, and psychological well-being.

The reasons behind forced marriage are often rooted in cultural and social norms, where family honor and reputation are prioritized over the welfare of the child. Parents, driven by fear of social ostracism and shame, force their daughters into marriage, often with men significantly older than them.

The consequences of forced marriage on the girl child are devastating and often leads to8 loss of Education. Forced marriage often marks the end of a girl's education, as she is expected to assume domestic responsibilities. Physical and Emotional Abuse. Girls forced into marriage are at risk of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse by their husbands and in-laws. Girls forced to enter into marriages also5 have their health at risk Early marriage and childbirth can lead to serious health complications, including maternal mortality, obstetric fistula, and sexually transmitted infections. Psychological trauma is another4 effect of forced marriage. So as Epworth it's essential to recognize the gravity of this issue and take collective action.