Effects of Child Marriage in Bangladesh
Child marriage has crucial social, psychological and health consequences. It is not only recognized as a human rights violation, but also a barrier to individual and social development. There are plenty of negative consequences of child marriage. To diminish child marriage and teenage motherhood, the marriage act have to be reviewed, and the legal age at marriage may be set at 19 years. Additionally, door-step delivery of services for modern contraceptive methods may also reduce teenage motherhood. Healthcare facilities should be made available among the poor and in remote areas for better health of both mother and child in Bangladesh.
Girl’s education, place of residence, socioeconomic status, religion, and regions are significant factors of child marriage in Bangladesh. The reported prevalence of child marriage reveals that Bangladeshi girls are more vulnerable to child marriage in South Asian context as well as in the world. Women’s education is the most significant single determinant of child marriage in Bangladesh. Also, girls already in school are often forced to terminate their education when they marry early. Limited movement, household responsibilities, pregnancy and rearing children, and other social restrictions for married girls prevent them from taking advantage of education or work opportunities. The children of teenage mothers experience serious health consequences as well.
Reference:
Kamal, S. M. (2012). Decline in child marriage and changes in its effect on reproductive outcomes in Bangladesh. Journal of health, population, and nutrition, 30(3), 317.