Jargon Free Forum

Session Conducted on Child marriage at Govt. Sr. Sec. School in Mansarovar, Jaipur, Rajasthan (February, 2020)

Child marriage has been a prevalent practice at different points in the history of almost all societies around the globe. In India, the practice has origins going back to ancient times and it continues to persist today.

Child marriage is most common in the world’s poorest countries. The highest prevalence rates of women getting married in the age of 20-49 years reporting entering marriage before 18 years are in South Asia (56%), followed by West and Central Africa (46%), Eastern and Southern Africa (38%), Latin America and the Caribbean (30%).

According to a UNICEF report (2014), one in three of all child marriages globally take place in India and rates are highest among the poorest and most socially disadvantaged areas. Child marriage has been declining slowly over the years, but the numbers of girls and boys getting married before their respective legal ages remain large. In the 2011 Census, 12 million child marriages were reported for girls aged less than 18 and boys below 21 years. High variance has been noted across regions, states, and urban and rural areas in the prevalence of child marriage within India.

Activities conducted during the Session

Pre-Session Assessment

40 students studying in 11th standard were present during the session. The following points were discussed with the students during the pre-assessment:

Question for all students:

What is child marriage? A few students replied that child marriage is when a person marries before a specific age, defined by the laws. Others responded that a child who marries before the age of 18 is called child marriage. What are the reasons behind child marriage? Some students replied that child marriage occurs due to poverty, cultural practices, and to fulfill promises with relatives and friends. One girl replied that family members are concerned about their daughter's reputation. Some students answered that family members see their daughter as a burden and believe that if she marries into a well-to-do family, she will lead a happy life. What is the age of children involved in child marriages? Some students replied that child marriage is considered when a girl's age is below 18 and a boy's age is below 21. Are boys also married at an early age? All students replied in unison that yes, boys are also married at an early age. What are the consequences of child marriage? Some students responded that both children can dislike each other and not be happy with their marriage. Others responded that child marriage can impact a girl's health, increase the death rate among girls, cause premature pregnancy, and make children emotionally weak and force them to leave school. Is child marriage legal? All students replied in unison that no, child marriage is illegal. How can child marriages end worldwide? Students replied that child marriages can be stopped by spreading awareness about the consequences, implementing strict laws, and improving police arrangements.

Documentary Screening: The session included the screening of four documentaries on the subject of child marriage. 

Child Marriage: A third animated short film from the series "Shattering the Silence," titled "Child Marriage" was shown to the students. The film is seen through the eyes of a young girl named Mina, who is forced to drop out of school and get married at a young age. The film highlights the physical and mental toll that child marriage can have on a child bride and the limited opportunities that come with a lack of proper education. Through determination and awareness, Mina is able to turn her life around when she seeks help from Panah, a shelter that not only provides a safe place for her and her daughter, but also offers vocational training. (Video Link: https://youtu.be/mLxnxy_MjnY) Like Sisters: The death of her best friend due to miscarriages and abortions caused by child marriage prompts a strong transformation in Priya. She channels her sorrow into empowering young girls to make the right decisions at the right age. (Video Link: https://youtu.be/6Zb0tU2e63E) Early Child Marriage: Child marriage is still a common phenomenon in India and is one of the main causes of poor health among girls. The lack of preparation, both mentally and physically, leads to dysfunctional families. The documentary warns against the consequences of child marriage and emphasizes the importance of education for girls. (Video Link: https://youtu.be/WrmRqm6VBI0) Choti Si Dulhan: This episode of the popular animated series Meena focuses on the issue of early marriage. It teaches that the legal age of marriage for women is 18 and emphasizes the importance of education for girls. Child marriage can have adverse effects on a girl's physical and mental health, and many child brides die from pregnancy-related complications. (Video Link: https://youtu.be/mFc-32rcZkE)

Post-session assessment

What if the girl's mother didn't take any action in the first movie? Most students responded that if the girl's mother didn't take action, then her daughter would have faced the same violence as her mother. Some students replied that the girl's father would have forced her into an early marriage, and she would not have been able to complete her education. What positive changes occurred in their lives after leaving home (Child Marriage movie)?Some students responded that they would no longer face physical violence, the girl could finish her education, and the mother became an independent woman who could support her daughter. What other steps do you think the mother, Maya, could have taken? Some students mentioned that Maya could have refused the marriage. Some students suggested that Maya could have refused the child (pregnancy) and continued her education. Do you think Maya was wrong for agreeing to the marriage? Some students answered yes, she was wrong. Others responded that no, she was not wrong because the decision was not hers to make. Her parents arranged the marriage, and even if she had refused, they would not have listened to her. Is it a good idea to get married to someone you love at a young age? Some students responded that it was not a good idea because making this kind of decision at a young age is unwise, and getting married without parents' permission is always problematic. However, some students thought that it was a good idea because it's better to marry someone you love than a stranger. Why was Tulli's decision wrong? Some students responded that Tulli was not aware of the consequences of early marriage, and her family's financial situation forced her to make a poor decision. Was Tulli's husband a bad person? Some students answered that Tulli's husband was not a bad person, but her in-laws were the problem. Some students mentioned that the situation and employment made him a bad person. What was the reason for the positive outcome in the movie "Choti Si Dulhan"? Students responded that the movie had a positive ending because both the girl and boy were educated and aware of the consequences of child marriage, and they prioritized their education.