Forced child marriage is still practiced, and millions of children are the victims of this practice, especially in rural areas of India and in a number of regions all over the world. Despite global and national commitments to end this evil practice, child and forced marriage is still very common, sometimes under cultural beliefs, poverty, or sheer ignorance by individuals. The problem is way deeper and is not only against basic human rights but also leaves a long-lasting scar on the future of a child.
Education is considered the best weapon to eliminate poverty and the preset of achievement among the children. Nevertheless, forced marriage rudely cuts the education process of a child. When children are married before they are physically, emotionally, or mentally ready, they are typically withdrawn from school. They are pushed to engage in adult tasks, and those responsibilities prevent them from completing their studies or dreaming about a different future. This is more so with children in impoverished societies, where marrying could be perceived as a means to alleviate poverty or guarantee a child a livelihood.
This blog explores the critical connection between child marriage, forced marriage, and the destruction of the education of children. It explores the psycho-social and economic effects of early marriage on school attendance and classroom learning, as well as identifies the structural reasons that enable this to happen.
Also Read: Causes of Gender Inequality
Most importantly, it highlights how CRY America supports interventions aligned with India’s legal framework to protect children’s rights and keep them in school.
Understanding the consequences of child forced marriage is key to mobilizing action. Through education, law enforcement, awareness, and community support, change is not only possible, it is urgent.
Understanding Forced Child Marriage
What is Forced Child Marriage?
- A union where one or both parties are under 18.
- Consent is absent or coerced through pressure or threats.
- Often blends early and forced marriage, violating the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006
Also Read: Safeguarding India’s Future by Ending Child Marriage
Difference Between Child Marriage and Forced Marriage
| Feature | Child Marriage | Forced Marriage |
| Age | Under 18 | Any age with coercion |
| Consent | Often limited or uninformed | Coerced through pressure |
| Legal context | Prohibited by law in India | Illegal when consent is absent |
| Overlap | Frequently, both underage and forced | Can also apply to older children |
How Forced Marriage Impacts Education
School Dropout Rates Among Married Children
- Nearly 80% of child brides drop out.
- Once married, attending school becomes nearly impossible.
- Education investment wasted, community progress undermined.
Psychological and Emotional Toll on Young Brides
- Early marriage brings anxiety, depression, and loss of childhood.
- Isolation from peers and increased risk of domestic violence.
- Emotional distress diminishes learning capacity, harming potential.
Also Read: How Education Can Break The Cycle Of Child Marriage
Root Causes Behind Child and Forced Marriage
Poverty and Lack of Jobs
- Families marry off children early to relieve economic stress.
- Poor rural areas record 27% child marriage prevalence, compared to 15% in urban areas.
- Lack of job prospects reinforces the cycle of poverty and early marriage.
Traditions and Gender Inequality
- Cultural norms see marriage as protection
- Girls from poorer or rural households marry early.
- Gender roles prioritize domestic status over schooling, limiting aspirations.
Weak Laws and Low Awareness
- The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (2006) sets minimum ages of 18 (girls) and 21 (boys).
- However, enforcement gaps remain: ~3 girls are forced into child marriage every minute. Awareness is low; legal provisions are not widely known or practiced.
CRY America’s Fight Against Child Marriage with Education
CRY America supports evidence-based interventions aligned with government efforts to address forced marriage and promote education:
School retention efforts
- Scholarships and midday meals under PM POSHAN help keep children in school.
- Vocational training and bridge classes prevent dropout.
Community awareness and rights education
- Workshops in rural areas highlight the legal age of marriage and academic benefits.
- Engaging community leaders to challenge norms that justify early marriage.
Legal support and advocacy
- Facilitation of marriage annulment under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act.
- Collaboration with local authorities to enforce age verification and penalize violations.
Economic empowerment programs
- Conditional cash incentives like Kanyashree (West Bengal) and Apni Beti Apna Dhan (Haryana) encourage schooling and delay marriage.
- Small grants for families to offset educational costs for girls.
Also Read: What is Child Marriage?
Why Support Makes a Difference
- It empowers children to remain in school and build brighter futures.
- Investing in education helps break cycles of poverty and forced child marriage.
To help end forced child marriage and keep children in school, donate to CRY America and support brighter futures.
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FAQs
What are the health risks associated with forced child marriage?
Forced child marriage poses serious health risks for young girls. Physically immature girls face life-threatening complications during pregnancy and childbirth, which is a leading cause of death for those aged 15 to 19 in low- and middle-income countries. They are more vulnerable to obstetric fistula, a debilitating condition from prolonged labor, and are at higher risk of delivering preterm or low-birth-weight infants, increasing infant mortality. Early marriage also drives unwanted pregnancies, limits access to contraception and family planning, and raises the risk of sexually transmitted infections, including HIV.
What can communities do to prevent forced child marriage?
Communities can prevent forced child marriage by raising awareness about its health risks and the importance of education, engaging local leaders and panchayats to oppose underage unions, and involving men and boys to challenge harmful gender norms. Empowering adolescent girls through safe spaces, life skills training, and remedial education support builds confidence and knowledge. Strengthening local protection systems, collaborating with authorities, and addressing economic pressures through scholarships, parental employment support, and better school access help keep girls in school and delay marriage, protecting their rights and futures.
What is the role of education in ending forced child marriage?
Education plays a crucial role in ending forced child marriage by keeping children, especially girls, in school and giving them the knowledge and skills to make informed decisions about their lives. It delays the age of marriage, increases awareness of rights, and opens opportunities for higher education and employment. Educated girls are more confident, empowered to advocate for themselves, and less likely to face early pregnancy or health risks, ultimately breaking cycles of poverty and promoting healthier, stronger communities.
Also Read: Life Skills Activities
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