New UNICEF Report Highlights The Plight Of Child Brides In India

UNFPA-UNICEF Global Programme to End Child Marriage has released the 2022 Global Annual Report. Approximately 23 percent of young women in India were married or in a union before reaching their eighteenth birthday.

What Does The Report Say?

Child marriage is decreasing in occurrence, but India still contributes to one-third of the world's child brides due to its large population. The prevalence of child marriage differs among India's states and union territories.

In regions such as West Bengal, Bihar, and Tripura, at least 40 percent of young women were married before reaching the age of 18, whereas in Lakshadweep, only 1 percent experienced early marriage. 

More than 50 percent of girls and women in India who entered into childhood marriages are from five states: Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh.

According to UNICEF, the COVID-19 pandemic is expected to have exposed over 10 million additional girls to the risk of child marriage by the year 2030.

Consistently, girls' education serves as a significant safeguard against child marriage, as the rates of child marriage are 66 percent lower among girls who finish secondary school compared to those with no education. Furthermore, for those who complete higher education, the rates are 80 percent lower.

According to the report, young girls residing in rural regions or originating from less affluent households face an increased likelihood of experiencing early marriage. Additionally, a larger percentage of child brides are observed within the demographic of individuals with limited or no formal education.

Challenges Ahead 

According to the UNICEF report, authorities responsible for upholding the law are hesitant to make child marriage prevention a top priority. Child protection mechanisms at the subdistrict level are both informal and feeble, and establishing accountability within these structures demands a significant amount of time and substantial effort.

What Can We Do?

The figures are a stark reminder that the fight against child marriage is far from over. We must renew our commitment to protect the rights and well-being of our children.

Let's work together to ensure that every young girl can grow up in a world where her dreams and aspirations are not sacrificed at the altar of tradition and discrimination. It is a challenging journey, but it is a journey we must undertake to secure a brighter future for the next generation.

Suggested Reading: UN Appeals To Declare 'Gender Apartheid' In Afghanistan: Details Here