Yes, you read it right. Such an arrangement can occur as early as infancy. In low and middle-income countries, particularly poor rural areas, girls often obliged to an arranged marriage without their knowledge or consent. Some parents see marriage as a cultural tradition to protect their daughter from sexual assaults and offer the care of a male guardian. Other parents feel that a young girl is an economic burden, therefore, wants to marry off their daughter before they become an economic liability. Some are just to protect their lineage.
Recently, here in the Philippines, news flash at me that this arrangement is still executing.
Why does early marriage happen?
Parents think marriage will protect girls from violence
Persistent inequalities between boys and girls
Law protecting girl aren't enforced
Younger wives are considered more obedient
The higher dowry for older girls or women
There is a consequence of Child Marriage:
Early pregnancy - the most dangerous cause of this practice. Health risk for mother and child. Younger girls ages under 18 are not physically mature and unprepared for intercourse or childbirth. Related complications such as obstetric fistula. Also, pregnancy-related health problems have emotional and social effects.
Spousal age difference - it can increase girls' vulnerability to emotional, physical, and sexual abuse. Young married girls are more likely to be illiterate. They tend to have restricted and no access to financial resources. They don't leave their house, therefore, limiting their ability to obtain information on reproductive health. By creating power dynamics, these girls can be more vulnerable to health risks and social isolation.
Important Areas for Policy Action
Create a safe space for women
Implement community-based mobilization
Enforce existing laws and policies
Support education beyond primary school
Provide safe and nonexploitative means of livelihood outside the home.
Millions of young girls marry under 18years old.
If we don't act now 150 millions more will become a child bride by 2030
Sad that it's 2020 but there are still practices like this.