Child Marriage Threatening Girls in Nepal- Say ‘No’ to Child Marriage!!

I used to imagine my life would just go by laughing and playing.... But there's no laughter". Sadly, girls in Nepal are being denied of their childhood and they are not only being married off, but also believing that they have no choice but to get married in their early teenage years. These young girls are not given the rights of a child, they are forced to work in poor conditions and to marry early. Therefore, child marriage, is a result of females being denied the right to an education, risks of poverty, girls being seen as a "burden", and social expectations for what they are to do for the family.

In Nepal, young girls are seen as "lesser" than boys. For this reason, daily, they are pulled out of school and immediately their hopes and aspirations for their future are suppressed or destroyed or obliterated. Although education is sometimes free in Nepal, supplies such as; pens, pencils, and notebooks are extremely expensive for the average student. "I wanted to go to school, but my parents didn't let me".

Many parents would love to give their daughters this opportunity but due to their financial restrictions they cannot. These young ladies are then put to work under brutal conditions to provide for their families. Most of the girls in Nepal participate in manual labor because they are not "smart enough" for other jobs, although this is not a fact just a way to keep them in these deplorable conditions and under control. People think girls can't do anything, once we are educated and given the same opportunities we are equal to boys".

Thirteen year old girl who is pregnant carries a small jar outside her home.

Perception of a girl as the burden of a family often stems the rate of child marriage. It’s also driven by traditional values and parents desire to give authentic guardianship for daughter, avoid illegal pregnancy, and ensure daughter’s sexuality to protect family’s pride. Child marriage often passes unquestioned and also gets moral permission just because it has happened since generations.

WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES?

Early pregnancy is one of the most dangerous causes and consequences of child marriage. Girls married early are more likely to experience violence, abuse and forced sexual relations. They are more vulnerable to sexually transmitted infections (including HIV).

Going to school gives girls choices and opportunities in life, allowing them to play an active role in their communities and break the cycle of poverty. Girls who are married are unlikely to be in school. Education is essential for girls to be able to make informed decisions about their sexual health and well-being.

SEXUAL VIOLENCE

Married girls are almost always expected to have sexual intercourse with their husband, upon demand, as soon as they go to live with their husband. Young, alone, often a long distance from family and friends, lacking information about sexuality and consent, and facing not only demands for sexual intercourse, but often also pressure to become pregnant immediately, girls have little ability to decide for themselves when and whether they will have sex, or how or whether to prevent pregnancies.

Creating a safety net for young girls is not down to one person, one institution, or one organisation alone. Ending child marriage is a collective endeavour and in Nepal we know the role we have to play in making this a reality.

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Thank you for your time!
@bindu