Kerala Opposes Rising Marriageable Age For Women: Can Society Stop Forcing Women Into Marriage?

The Kerala government has opposed the 2021 bill by Union Women and Child Development Minister Smriti Irani to raise the marriageable age for women from 18 to 21 years. The bill seeks an amendment to the Prohibition of Child Marriage Amendment Act by bringing uniformity to the marriageable ages of men and women. The bill is yet to be passed by both houses of the parliament.

The Kerala government has however opposed the move, stating that since women are eligible to exercise their franchise at 18, it will be unfair to ask them to wait till 21 to get married. Given that Kerala is the most literate state in India, wouldn’t women be more concerned about what degree to pursue at 18 than who to get married to?

Now the marriageable age is 21 for men and 18 for women. Despite this, data from the Social Progress Index revealed that more than 20% of women aged between 20 and 24 were married before the age of 18. The data also showed that more than 50% of the women were married by the age of 18.

Kerala Opposes Rising Marriageable Age

Despite the legal age of marriage is 18, internalised patriarchy forces many parents to ensure that their daughters are married off as soon as possible because they believe that is the only way to ensure their daughter’s safety. Besides, many Indian families still believe that marriage is the end goal of a woman and focus on getting her married rather than investing in her education.

The Kerala state government is emphasising women’s eligibility to exercise their franchise. Doesn't that include a woman’s agency over her life? Why would an 18-year-old want to get married? How will a girl who barely finished school be woke enough to know and fight for her rights? Even if she does, it is the responsibility of parents and society to explain to her the importance of education and financial independence.

Typical Indian parents say, "Do whatever you want after getting married," to their daughters. But is that how our social setup works? The majority of society expects women to drop everything and turn into the ideal daughter-in-law and wife as soon as she gets married. The very next year, she is expected to have a child. Family responsibilities mount up on her shoulders, leaving her with so little time and energy that she is forced to throw away her passion and dreams. Raising the marriageable age for women from 18 to 21 will give them the opportunity to pursue at least one degree and obtain a job.

Besides, the National Institute of Health Survey states that the neonatal death rate is twice as high among teen mothers compared to older mothers. An 18-year-old girl is not physically or emotionally capable of becoming a mother. Teen pregnancies put both the mother and child at risk! Also, younger brides are more likely to suffer from domestic violence as the husband is older, likely the breadwinner, and thus holds more power. Or, perhaps, is that what patriarchy wants - for the women to be younger and submissive in a relationship?

One of the political parties, the Muslim League, an ally of the Congress, said that delaying the age of marriage would lead to "live-in relationships" and "illegitimate relationships." Technically, a marriage registration certificate and a few other legal issues are the only differences between a married couple and a live-in couple. Rest all remains pretty much the same; it’s high time we de-stigmatise live-in relationships.

And what do they mean by "illegitimate relationships?" – What's illegal about two unmarried people falling in love? How is it fair for society to deem an 18-year-old girl eligible to get married and have a child but not to fall in love?

When we are talking about equality, isn’t it fair that there is uniformity in the marriageable age for both men and women? The majority of modern women wouldn’t want to tie the knot before becoming self-sufficient. So, can society please stop chopping off women’s wings to freedom by getting them married at a young age?

Suggested Reading: Cabinet Clears Proposal To Raise Legal Age Of Marriage For Women To 21