Child marriage, which is illegal is practiced in various countries across the world, but is prevalent in India. According to a recent report, each day more than twenty-five thousand girls under the age of 18 are married. These marriages are often performed without the consent of the girls involved in the marriage. Reportaaz travelled to the Jalna district of Marathwada this week, and unveiled stories of young girls fighting this social taboo. In a special report by Prajakta Dhulap, watch Reportaaz on Sunday, 16th September 2012 at 10:00 am and 8:30 pm only on IBN-Lokmat.
There has been a trend of marriage at a young age in India. Child marriage is a violation of human rights whether it happens to a girl or a boy, but it represents perhaps the most prevalent form of exploitation of girls. The harmful consequences of child marriage are segregation from family and friends, limiting the child's interactions with the community and peers, lack of opportunities for education. Child brides become mothers, before they mature physically. But there is some hope in some small villages of Maharashtra. With the help of UNICEF and local assistance, the families are now slowly changing their perception. 'Education First, Marriage later‘ is the motto of these young girls. UNICEF and other local agencies are giving adolescent girls knowledge and skills to negotiate with their parents and reject offers for marriage.
Girls' education and economic independence are becoming key solutions against the taboo. For them 'the road is long, but the journey has started‘. Bringing such motivating stories this week is a special report by Prajakta Dhulap. Tune in to Reportaaz on Sunday 16th September 2012 at 10:00 am and 8:30 pm only on IBN-Lokmat.