Early Marriage causes I have seen around me ,Written by , Nishat Saima Bushra ,Id:( 23126056), Date: 15th August 2023

 EARLY MARRIAGE CAUSES I HAVE SEEN AROUND ME

Written by Nishat Saima Bushra

Early marriage that I have seen can be defined as the union of individuals before they reach the legal age of consent, it remains a significant concern in many parts of the world. One country where early marriage is particularly prevalent is Bangladesh. Many nations face the complex issues of early marriage that affect the lives of countless young girls and boys. It is a multifaceted social issue that has persisted across various cultures and regions throughout history. It's about young brides and grooms, with significant age differences, and is shaped by a complex interplay of cultural, economic and social factors. It can provide an overview of early marriage, its prevalence, the causes, and the far-reaching impacts it has on individuals and societies. We can gain insight into the importance of addressing it to promote gender equality, human rights and sustainable development.

Ref:https://www.wvi.org/stories/bangladesh/eka-brave-teenager-bangladesh- says-no-child-marriage

Causes of early marriage that I have observed:

1.Lack of education: Being far behind from education is the main reason for early marriage. Most of the girls cannot get education because of their financial crisis. Many parents cannot teach their child because they do not have any income sources. As a result, they are getting tense about their child's future. So that, they choose the option of early marriage. In addition, this is the harmful side of a girl to being married at an early age. Because they are illiterate and don’t have any idea about what they must do. Education is the most important for any young girl or boy. The girls who had dreams to be in their life, they cannot be able to fulfill their dream because of their family problem.

   

 Ref:https://www.vso.ie/fighting-poverty/improving-health/stopping- child-marriage-in-bangladesh

2.Cultural norms and Tradition: Cultural norms and tradition, sometimes influenced by religion, play a significant role in early marriage. Most families think that marrying their daughters at an early age ensures safety and honor.

3. Gender Inequality: Gender discrimination and the inequality of men and women contribute to early marriage. Now a days girls are often viewed as financial liabilities, prompting families to marry them as soon as possible. Because they did not get any chance to prove they qualified. Even, they don’t get their rights properly.

4. Socioeconomic Problem: Poverty is the major problem of early marriage in Bangladesh. Families often see marriage as a way to alleviate the financial burdens and secure a better future for their child because they are facing many problems to bear all the expenses of their family.

Consequences:

1. Health issues: Early marriage increases the number of risks of maternal for the girls and child health complications due to early pregnancy and inappropriate healthcare. Early pregnancy can be a serious health issue. The complications can be premature birth, low birth weight, and maternal health issues.

2. Social isolation: Early marriage also causes social isolation. As I saw some of my friends, who got married at their early age, they don’t have a good communication with their old friends and other people of their society. In addition, they are cut off by support networks and social activities.

3. Career issues: Because of getting married at an early age, this also creates a hamper on career. Many of them cannot focus on their career. As a result, they have to face many difficulties like poverty.

Resolve the challenges:

1.Awareness campaigns: NGO and the government should launch educate communities about the negative consequences of early marriage. So that, people can know the bad sites of early marriage. They will be able to get a chance to be alert about early marriage. The government

  

should be aware of the law that less than 18 for girls and less than 21 for boys could not be married. By taking these steps can solve this problem in Bangladesh.

2.Education Ensurity: By focusing on education and empowering young girls can provide the tools to resist early marriage. On the other hand, by increasing access to quality education for the girls can break the cycle of early marriage and also improve overall gender equality.

3.Economic Opportunities: Creating economic opportunities for young individuals can solve this problem. For example, families don’t have to face difficulties for their child. These economic opportunities can deter families from resorting to early marriage as a means of financial security. Then there will be no Lackings of financial crisis, they can get their necessities as they want it.

Early marriage in Bangladesh is a complex issue relates with cultural norms, poverty and gender inequality. While progress has been made in raising awareness and taking legal action. There is still much work left to do to address the challenge. By focusing on economic empowerment, education and economic opportunities, Bangladesh can pave the way for a bright future for the young individuals are free to pursue their dreams and aspiration.

One of my friends who got married at her early age, she didn’t get chance to be educated. She was studying with me; we are in the same school. As the time goes, her family could not bear her educational expenses anymore. Her family was worried about her, and they decided to marry her. She has a dream to be a doctor, but she could not fulfill her dream. She was married at 17 years old. After that, she faced many problems in her in-law's family. Because she could not get the chance to gain knowledge about what she has to do in the future. But now she is understanding the situations and cope up with her family.

Author,

Nishat Saima Bushra

Nishat Saima Bushra is a student of Microbiology Department at BRAC University. She was born in October14,2002 in Dhaka. Currently, she lives in Dhaka, Bangladesh.