As of late I have been taking a particular interest in researching the subject of child marriage. The fact that it is happening in all parts of the world, and we barely hear about it when it comes to news on TV, radio and the internet really gets to me. So, I thought I would gather some information about this topic and share it with my followers as to raise awareness.

Every year on average, around 5 million girls, aged 15 or younger are forced into marriage by their poor, too large family. Countries vary but include South Asia, Africa and Middle East. Girls are circumcised before they get married. If they run away or object, they are beaten to marry older men, instead of being listened and understood. These girl do not know anything about what will happen to them when they marry. No knowledge of what to do in bed or how to raise a child. This is an unacceptable, ignorant tradition, even if it is culturally accepted in these countries.

This is an abuse of human rights. These girls should be at school and protected, rather than forced to conduct roles of adults which ruins their innocence and whatever is left of their future… Not only this, but these child brides are in great risk of dying during childbirth because they’re of such a young and tender age.

Protecting these girls is not only morally correct, but would also have an impact on the economic development and growth of the country. Investing in protecting these women and giving them education would reduce child marriage and increase income, health and intelligence. Targeting the young men, which would be the future husbands of these girls would also help towards eradicating this vicious cycle and who knows? Maybe in a generations’ time all will be in the past.