| Abstrakt: |
Child marriage, regardless of gender, refers to the marriage of individuals under the age of 18. Recognized as a violation of fundamental human rights, child marriage is condemned by various international conventions, treaties, and agreements, including the Convention on the Rights of the Child. While both girls and boys can experience early marriage, the harsh reality is that the consequences are far more severe for girls. Female child spouses are particularly vulnerable to partner violence, mental health issues, and limited decision-making power due to the inherent power imbalances in these relationships. Child marriage is linked to a range of adverse economic, socio-cultural, and psychological outcomes, contributing to lower socio-economic status and higher poverty rates among child spouses. Moreover, intergenerational patterns of early marriage perpetuate this cycle. Girls affected by child marriage often find themselves dependent on others, lacking significant decision-making power, which diminishes their quality of life. Additionally, without the necessary skills and abilities, these girls struggle to become active contributors to society. As a result, we witness a decline in human capital and a decrease in women's participation, ultimately diminishing the role of women in society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
