VIJAYAWADA: Patriarchy, lack of awareness among parents and holding on to traditional orthodox customs are considered to be the major perpetrators of child marriages. However, several other factors that are responsible for turning young girls into brides before they even attain 18 years. Free internet access, widespread usage of social media, meagre security for women and single mothers depending on their family members are some of the other reasons that contribute to this social evil. Women Development and Child Welfare (WD&CW) department officials held massive awareness sessions at Krishnalanka, Vambey Colony, Ajith Singh Nagar, Jakkampudi Colony, Ibrahimpatnam and a few colonies in Vijayawada on the ill-effects of child marriages.
“It’s an old practice where parents marry their minor daughters owing to poverty. Recently we are observing a disturbing trend that actually needs to be addressed. With youth being addicted to Facebook, Whatsapp, etc. parents fear that their children, especially girls, may fall into the trap of anyone with whom they might interact in social media platforms. This fear drives the parents to marry off their children especially if they have completed tenth or intermediate courses,” said Krishna district Project director (WD&CW) K Krishna Kumari.
She also added she has received four such incidents where single mothers, living with their parents’ or brother’s family, have agreed to marry off their daughter who is generally seen as a burden in the family.
Child marriage does not only affect the girl’s future, it also affects the society as a whole since this social evil reinforces a cycle of poverty and perpetuates gender discrimination, illiteracy and malnutrition as well as high infant and maternal mortality rates.
Based on statistics that has been compiled over 5 years (2012-2017) from a National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) report, Krishna district tops the list in child marriages in the State with around 20,600 girls (3.3%) and 19,600 boys (2.4%) getting married before attaining 18 and 21 years, followed by Vizag and Guntur. In a meeting held recently on Preservation of Child Rights, few officials said one among five is a child marriage in Vijayawada. The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 says it is illegal for girls to marry under 18 years and for boys under 21 years.