Child marriage in Nepal

 Child marriage in Nepal : Problem 

Child marriage is a significant problem in Nepal, where the practice is still quite common, particularly in rural and disadvantaged communities. Child marriage is defined as the marriage of a child younger than 18 years of age. According to UNICEF, about one in three girls in Nepal are married before the age of 18, and about one in nine are married before the age of 15.

Child marriage is harmful to girls in many ways. It can lead to early pregnancy and childbirth, which can have serious health consequences for young mothers and their babies. Girls who marry young are also more likely to drop out of school, which limits their future opportunities and perpetuates the cycle of poverty. They are also more likely to be subjected to domestic violence, and have less autonomy and decision-making power in their households.

The government of Nepal has taken steps to address child marriage, including raising the legal age of marriage to 20 for girls and 22 for boys, and implementing public awareness campaigns. However, enforcement of these laws remains a challenge, and cultural and economic factors continue to drive the practice. Addressing child marriage in Nepal requires sustained efforts from government, civil society, and communities to change attitudes and behaviors, as well as to provide education and economic opportunities for girls.

- Sandesh sharma