In a typical marital plot of a novel, one sees a well-matured couple who undergo a marital journey in a mutual and consented way. Nevertheless, the truth deviates from this picturesque ideal, as Sajita’s story proves. Sajita’s life had a sudden and tragic turn when she was only 14 and was forced to have a marriage. Because of that, she lost her hopes and even her independence. Sighing the responsibility of motherhood at a young age and the endurance of unending verbal abuse and neglect, the literal reality of child marriages in Nepal made Sajita’s ordeal the slap of reality on grooming. Inspired by Sajita’s resilience, today, let us plunge into the disturbing truth of child marriages in Nepal, discussing both the stories of violence and cruelty inside the doors of every family and the difficulty of achieving freedom and gaining independence in poor homes.
Domestic Abuse and Violence in Child Marriages
In the case of child marriages, this has culminated in domestic and sexual violence and abuse. Sajita’s story shows a clear picture of the brides who are abused verbally and physically yet are seen as property to be used, not human beings. The (UNICEF and UNFPA) contend that one in three girls who are married in Nepal face sexual violence by their partners, whereas one in six girls suffer from physical violence. This is not just a statistic; it is a reality that many school girls like Sajita face daily in their quest to convert into reality. We need to take into complete account the fundamental damage and consequences to young brides in child marriages as a result of domestic violence. The impacts that arise from the violence are not only psychological but also create a reinforced cycle of abusing others that can traverse families and communities. Often, such young brides remain voiceless, arguing that the norms of society and the powers at higher levels do not allow them to voice their feelings. Indulging in ignorance towards their pain, we are facilitating a shield of immunity from punishment, which decreases the pillars upon which our society is built.
Poverty Experienced by Those in Child Marriages
The poverty in Nepal forms such complexities about the presence of child marriages. Poverty has forced families to relate to girls as financial burdens and, as a result, send them off to marry early without thinking of their dreams and aspirations. As researched by (Valley), through this story, Anisha’s life becomes living proof that these women were mistreated for their work and deprived of the education they deserved. With the hope for a better future in their mind, they tend to marry young, even before they are adults. It is a vicious cycle in which having child marriage deepens the gloom of poverty.
In contrast, the prevalence of poverty only intensifies the occurrence of early marriage, creating a dark future ahead for the children to come. Primarily, poverty exacerbates the vulnerabilities of these girls, and they live in a situation of high risk because of the violence and abuse they are exposed to. Their inability to gather funds makes them incapable of accessing the most needed services. It provides a stable platform for them to develop, and as a result, the cycle of marginalization and poverty persists.
Impact of Child Marriages on Children and Society
The ramifications of child marriage extend to the individual involvement, leaving no doubt. The shadow they cast on society is one made of pain and suffering, and society only withholds from prosperity. Education, a human right, takes a back seat as girls, who leave school ten times more frequently than their married peers, drop behind with this degree (Bajracharya and Amin, 84). Restricting their circuitous development not only suppressed their personal growth but also lagged the socioeconomic advancement of the state. Also, early pregnancies are risky for young women and their babies, as this adds to being overwhelmed by the health care system. Rachana’s case shows that a critical role played by the elimination of silence on child marriages and making the communities take action is essential in the fight against this prolific problem and paving the way for an instilled future where this issue is no more.
Conclusion
The child marriage state problem in Nepal needs to be dealt with urgently and through joined hands. It should not be overlooked that corporate cultures significantly impact the preservation of innocence and tradition associated with poverty. By engendering the existence of the problems, pushing for policy changes, and minding support measures for grassroots initiatives, we can do away with the poor cycle, thus allowing every child to thrive. Let us stand together in solidarity, for the future of Nepal depends on it.
Works Cited
Bajracharya, Ashish, and Sajeda Amin. “Poverty, Marriage Timing, and Transitions to Adulthood in Nepal.” Studies in Family Planning, vol. 43, no. 2, 2012, pp. 79–92, www.jstor.org/stable/23409231.
UNICEF, and UNFPA. “Ending Child Marriage in Nepal.” Www.unicef.org, 2017, www.unicef.org/nepal/reports/ending-child-marriage-nepal.
Valley, Kathmandu. “Child Marriages in Nepal – DW – 05/14/2016.” Dw.com, 2016, www.dw.com/en/child-marriages-still-endemic-in-nepal/a-19255214.