By Rajkumar Singh
Historically, marriages were often arranged to strengthen family ties, secure political alliances, and consolidate wealth. Marrying young girls was a strategic way to create bonds between powerful families.
In ancient India, child marriage was practiced among Hindus, partly influenced by religious texts like the Manusmriti, which advocated early marriage for girls. In some Islamic traditions, child marriage is justified by the example of Prophet Muhammad, who married Aisha when she was young.
Even in Christianity and Judaism child marriages were not uncommon, especially among the nobility, to secure family fortunes and alliances. During the medieval period in Europe, child marriage was tied to the feudal system. Marrying off daughters early was a way to secure land and property rights. In many cultures, the dowry system played a significant role in promoting child marriage.
Families married off daughters early to secure economic benefits or social status. Especially, European colonization spread the practice of child marriage to various parts of Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Colonizers sometimes enforced or reinforced local customs, including child marriage. To some extent, patriarchal societies that value boys over girls often see early marriage as a way to control female sexuality and ensure that girls remain virgins until marriage.
Over time, starting in the 19th and 20th centuries, many countries began enacting laws to raise the minimum age of marriage. These reforms were often influenced by changing social norms, the rise of women’s rights movements, and increased emphasis on education. Further, the late 20th and early 21st centuries saw a significant rise in global awareness and advocacy against child marriage.
International organizations like the United Nations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have played critical roles in highlighting the issue and pushing for change. Although, despite legal reforms, child marriage persists in many parts of the world due to deeply ingrained cultural practices, economic pressures, and lack of enforcement of existing laws. As a remedy, there is a growing emphasis on the importance of educating girls and empowering them to make their own choices about marriage.
Thus, the origins of girl child marriage are deeply rooted in historical, cultural, religious, and economic contexts. Efforts to combat child marriage must be multifaceted, involving legal reforms, education, economic support, and community engagement.
Health Hazards-Physical
The physical effects of girl child marriage are profound and far-reaching, impacting not only the young brides themselves but also their children and communities and these issues requires a comprehensive approach that includes improving healthcare access, enhancing education and awareness, and enforcing legal protections.
In general, young girls face a significantly higher risk of complications during pregnancy and childbirth, which can lead to maternal mortality. Their bodies are often not fully developed to handle the physical demands of pregnancy and labor. Prolonged and obstructed labor, common among young mothers, can result in obstetric fistula, a severe condition that causes incontinence and can lead to social ostracism.
In addition, babies born to young mothers are more likely to be premature or have a low birth weight, leading to higher infant mortality rates and long-term health issues. They are at a higher risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV, due to limited knowledge about safe sex practices and the inability to negotiate safe sex with often older partners. Many young brides have limited access to sexual and reproductive health services, exacerbating health problems related to early pregnancy and childbirth.
Young girls are more likely to suffer from malnutrition and anemia, which can affect their overall health and increase the risks during pregnancy. Inadequate Nutrition for Infants: Malnourished mothers are less likely to provide adequate nutrition for their infants, perpetuating a cycle of poor health. In the long run the physical strain of early pregnancy and childbirth, combined with poor nutrition and lack of healthcare, can lead to chronic health conditions later in life.
Complications from early pregnancies and childbirth can lead to long-term reproductive health problems, including infertility. Young girls are more susceptible to PID, which can cause chronic pain, ectopic pregnancy, and infertility. Early sexual activity and multiple pregnancies increase the risk of cervical cancer, particularly in regions with limited access to cervical screening and HPV vaccination. Impacts on infant health include:
Infants born to young mothers are more likely to die in the first year of life due to complications related to prematurity and low birth weight and infants who survive may face developmental delays and other health issues due to poor maternal health and nutrition during pregnancy. Health issues in young mothers can affect their children, perpetuating a cycle of poor health and poverty across generations. Children of child brides are more likely to face health issues due to genetic predispositions and the unhealthy environment in which they are raised.
Mental Effects of Child Marriage
The mental effects of girl child marriage are profound and long-lasting, impacting not only the girls themselves but also their families and communities. By tackling the root causes and providing comprehensive support, it is possible to mitigate the mental health consequences of child marriage and promote healthier, more empowered futures for young women which largely include:
1. Psychological Trauma: Abrupt Life Transition: The sudden shift from childhood to marital responsibilities can be traumatic. Young girls often find themselves in a situation they are neither emotionally or psychologically prepared for. Forced Sexual Relations: Many child brides are subjected to forced sexual relations, which can result in significant psychological trauma and long-term mental health issues.
2. Depression and Anxiety: Chronic Stress: The pressures of early marriage, including domestic responsibilities and early motherhood, contribute to chronic stress, which can lead to depression and anxiety. Social Isolation: Child brides often experience social isolation as they are removed from their peers and family, exacerbating feelings of loneliness and depression.
3. Low Self-Esteem and Self-Worth: Gender Inequality: In many societies where child marriage is prevalent, girls are often valued less than boys, leading to low self-esteem and feelings of worthlessness.
4. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Experiences of Violence: Child brides often experience physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, leading to PTSD, characterized by flashbacks, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts about the trauma. Forced Responsibilities: Being forced into adult roles and responsibilities at a young age can be overwhelming, contributing to the development of PTSD.
5. Suicidal Ideation and Behaviour: Hopelessness: The overwhelming challenges and lack of support can lead some child brides to feel hopeless about their future, increasing the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviours. Mental Health Disorders: Depression, anxiety, and PTSD can contribute to an increased risk of suicidal ideation and attempts.
Thus, mental health issues experienced by child brides can persist into adulthood, affecting their ability to lead fulfilling lives and it can affect their parenting, potentially leading to similar issues in their children.
Author: Dr. Rajkumar Singh – Youth motivator and former Head of the University Department of Political Science, B.N. Mandal University, Madhepura, Bihar, India.
(The views expressed in this article belong only to the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of World Geostrategic Insights).
Image Source: The Borgen Project