22/12/2021
The minimum legal age of marriage for women has been increased from 18 years to 21 years as a means of “lowering the maternal mortality and improving nutrition levels. Indeed, it’s a great amendment. Is there any ideal age to get married or does the amendment in the law mean that a girl should get married exactly at the age of 21?. No doubt that marriage is a prominent milestone in one’s life but in most Indian families, parental pressure results in marriage, and most of the time the marriage takes place at a very young age. Though this trend is changing in cities and metros but villages are still untouched in India.
Studies revealed that the more the age, the less are the chances of divorce. Couples getting married after 25 years of age are less likely to get divorced. Moreover, if the woman is educated then she is more confident and can better handle the responsibilities of a family. Women and girls must not be treated as commodities. We all are human beings with our rights and privileges. About 800 women die each day during pregnancy and childbirth. Early marriage forces them out of education and into a life of poor prospects, with an increased risk of violence, abuse, ill health, or early death.
Going to school or college gives girls choices and opportunities in life, allowing them to play an active role in their communities and break the cycle of poverty. Girls and boys who marry at an early age are more likely to lack the skills, knowledge, and job prospects needed to lift their families out of poverty and contribute to their country’s social and economic growth. To all girls and women, we live in a democratic country, we all have equal right to live our best life. Go the extra mile, the world is yours to explore.
