Child marriage programme

EKTA is currently developing a programme to combat child marriage in several districts of Tamil Nadu. This issue has been in the news a lot lately, here in Tamil Nadu and abroad as well, particularly in areas of conflict. The reasons perpetuating child marriage are many, and the harmful effects and consequences are widespread and long-lasting. Below are some statistics and stories from The Hindu to give some context to the issue. We will post updates on our specific programme as it develops. 

• More than 100 million girls in the developing world will be married during the next 10 years.
  
• Although the definition of child marriage includes boys, most children married under the age of 18 years are girls.
  
• While the practice has decreased globally over the last 30 years, it remains common in rural areas and among the poorest of the poor.
  
• In Southern Asia, 48%—nearly 10 million—of girls are married before the age of 18.
  
  
• In Africa, 42% of girls were married before turning 18.
  
• In Latin America and the Caribbean, 29% of girls are married by age 18.

Source

 Areas that experience high rates of child marriage are those with:

• High poverty rates, birth rates and death rates
• Greater incidence of conflict and civil strife
• Lower levels of overall development, including schooling, employment, health care

Consequences of child marriage:

• Large spousal age gaps
• Limited social support, due to social isolation
• Limited educational attainment and no schooling options
• Intense pressure to become pregnant
• Increased risk of maternal and infant mortality
• Increased vulnerability to HIV and other STIs
• Restricted social mobility/freedom of movement
• Little access to modern media (TV, radio, newspapers)
• Lack of skills to be viable to the labour market   

Source

The Hindu 1

The Hindu 2

The Hindu 3