{"id":2045,"date":"2023-02-16T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-02-16T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.girlsnotbrides.org\/en\/articles\/efficient-solutions-to-end-child-marriage-must-go-beyond-outlawing-this-practice\/"},"modified":"2023-02-16T00:00:00","modified_gmt":"2023-02-16T00:00:00","slug":"efficient-solutions-to-end-child-marriage-must-go-beyond-outlawing-this-practice","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.girlsnotbrides.ctechapp.com\/?p=2045","title":{"rendered":"Efficient solutions to end child marriage must go beyond outlawing this practice"},"content":{"rendered":"

On 3 February 2023, the police force in the state of Assam, India, announced a state-wide drive to implement the law on child marriage. Reports suggest that 2,000 people were arrested in the first two days, a figure which has since risen to almost 3,000. Opinion is divided on the outcome of these measures, sparking protests from<\/i> affected families.<\/i><\/p>\n

Implementing laws and policies<\/h2>\n

This action to address child marriage is in response to high adolescent pregnancy rates of 16.8% in the state (data from Reproductive Child Health (RCH) portal). Data-driven action to effectively implement laws against child marriage, recognising the two-way linkages between child marriage and adolescent pregnancy, is encouraging. Enforcement of laws \u2013 like the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (PCMA, 2006) \u2013 also sends a strong message from officials that child marriage must end.<\/p>\n

However, concerns have been raised around how this law is being implemented. The law states that a child marriage can be annulled if a petition is filed by a person who was a child at the time of their marriage, or by their guardian. If the petition is being filed by the person who was married as a child, it must be done so within two years of the person attaining adulthood. Reports suggest that many of the men arrested were married several years ago and their wives are now adults who did not file for annulment, representing a time lag before punitive action. Most importantly, evidence and learning have shown that criminalisation can be detrimental to girls and women, and so legal enforcement needs to be context-specific, address inequality, and transform social norms.<\/p>\n

Providing long-term solutions<\/h2>\n

Long-term, holistic solutions that transform gender norms and increase educational, economic, and social opportunities for all girls are the only way to end child marriage and support girls who are \u2013 or have been \u2013 married. For example, in Uttar Pradesh, India, peer learning has been used to reduce barriers to accessing government schemes \u2013 on sexual and reproductive health and rights, and cash transfers \u2013 that will reduce risk of child marriage and adolescent pregnancy.<\/p>\n

Punitive measures in the absence of long-term solutions often have negative consequences for girls and women. Where women lack access to educational and economic opportunities and are financially dependent on their male relations \u2013 including their husbands \u2013 arrests mean that families can be left without a source of income. In response, the Assam Cabinet has constituted a committee to frame a policy to rehabilitate survivors of child marriage. We welcome reports of financial and welfare assistance initiatives for affected survivors of child marriage from the state government.<\/p>\n

Reports<\/a> also suggest girls and young women in the state fear backlash for accessing the vital health services they need, including sexual and reproductive health and rights. It is therefore crucial that girls are supported to claim their rights; and that families, communities, and religious and community leaders actively participate in developing interventions aiming to end child marriage.<\/p>\n

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Ending child marriage will only be possible with coordinated action across multiple sectors. It is vital governments and policymakers commit to acting on the root causes of child marriage. Designing plans and mobilising resources that act to reduce poverty, transform gender norms, and increase opportunities for girls must be prioritised to end child marriage now.<\/i><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Are you directly affected by this story?<\/h2>\n

CHILDLINE 1098 is a phone number that spells hope for millions of children across India. It is a 24-hour a day, 365 days a year, free, emergency phone service for children in need of aid and assistance.<\/b><\/p>\n

To find out more:<\/h2>\n