Despite decades of international and local efforts to curb child marriage, the problem continues to pose a challenge to nations. This obsolete and outdated ideals still continue to form the basis in certain societies and that needs to be changed. It is wrong to treat women like this.
It is a harmful traditional practice that deprives girls of their dignity and human rights. At present, unprecedented attention is being paid to child marriage globally, but promises do not always lead to effective action. While the rate of child marriages has begun to drop in some places, it has increased in other areas.
At its heart, child marriage happens because blindness to the issue has provided a space for it to flourish. Social customs, traditions, family, societal pressures and economic conditions perpetuate the practice. While marriage is a beautiful union between two souls, it is important to understand that child marriage only leads to loss of innocence and broken dreams. They lose their childhood and miss the opportunity to play, develop friendships or be educated. Often they are being forced into enslavement by their husbands and families and are more likely to face difficulties and discrimination. Because the victims are overwhelmingly young and poor women, their voices are seldom heard by others.
How can a country prosper when a section of young women are confined to the walls of a household? How could anyone force a girl child out of their house? Hence, considering the magnitude and extent of the problem, it requires concerted efforts from all sections of society to make a dent in the problem. So there is a simple solution to this complicated issue: Work with communities to change attitudes towards girls and increase opportunities for girls. With the right mix of effective programs, policies and political will, millions of girls will have the opportunity to fulfil their potential. While the harm caused by child marriage are grim, the benefits of ending the practice are transformative and far-reaching.
A girl on provision of a conducive and an enabling environment may blossom into an ever fragrant flower and may shine in all spheres of life. If every girl is valued and given the same opportunities as boys, if she is free from not only child marriage, but from all forms of violence and discrimination, amazing things can happen - not only for them, but for the whole world, which then becomes safer, happier and more balanced.
- The reader is a business owner living in Dubai.
