Editor,
Child marriage pertains to the formal union or informal alliance between an individual under the age of 18 and either an adult or another child.
In our quest for a harmonious society, it is crucial to address and eliminate the distressing practice of child marriage. The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act of 2006 unequivocally declares that the legal age for marriage is 18 for females and 21 for males by 2023, emphasising the importance of safeguarding our children’s futures.
Upholding religious and community values:
Every religious and community group shares the sentiment that underage marriages are neither taught nor accepted. Let us unite in recognising the absence of any constitutional teachings allowing such unions. Marriage solemnising ministers in these groups play a pivotal role in upholding this belief, ensuring that they do not officiate marriages involving underage individuals. Any deviation from this principle should be met with legal repercussions to safeguard our societal values.
Addressing challenges in remote villages:
In remote villages, the prevalence of child marriage persists, often celebrated with grandeur. To break this cycle, it is imperative for neighbours, village authorities, and religious leaders to stand together in opposing such practices. By discouraging support for these unconstitutional unions, we can curtail the allure of celebration, redirecting the focus towards fostering a responsible and nurturing environment for our children.
Changing societal mindset:
To truly put an end to child marriage, it is essential to reshape societal attitudes. Rather than succumbing to societal pressure to attend such events, people should collectively condemn and boycott these practices. Only through united efforts can we dismantle the appeal of participating in celebrations that perpetuate harmful traditions.
Leadership initiatives:
Imagine a society where village leaders champion the cause against child marriage. As village headmen, our first decree would be to implement strict laws against this practice. By filing cases against parents, supporters, and organisers of such marriages, we can send a clear message that our community values the wellbeing and future of our children above all else.
Once a boycotting, unsupportive attitude, and environment are established in any village, no boy or girl will dare to get married underage. They will consider the potential social consequences and legal actions, understanding that even eloping may lead to such repercussions. When these values influence our children, they will refrain from engaging in unconstitutional, unlawful, and antisocial acts. Currently, an eloping system exists in the village among underage children due to indirect support for such marriages by attending underage marriage parties, feasting, and celebrating grandly. By supporting parents and couples involved in these practices, we inadvertently contribute to the prevalence of antisocial, anti-traditional, and unconstitutional behaviours in the society.
These detrimental practices must be halted. It’s crucial for communities to unite against underage marriages, actively discouraging and preventing such occurrences. By fostering awareness, promoting education, and cultivating a supportive environment, we can work together to break the cycle of harmful traditions and create a safer, healthier future for our children. Together, let us create a society that nurtures the dreams and aspirations of our children, free from the shackles of underage marriages.
It is through collective action, resolute commitment, and a shared vision that we can pave the way for a brighter, more joyous future for the generations to come.
Rev Rabi S Chakma,
Local pastor,
Baptist Church,
Gautampur