Coimbatore : Child marriage is a major global issue. Child marriage continues to be a gross human rights violation and one that affects a majority of young girls around the world. Though poverty, social norms and cultural traditions attribute to child marriages. Lack of education is regarded to be a major reason for child marriage.
Coimbatore : Child marriage is a major global issue. Child marriage continues to be a gross human rights violation and one that affects a majority of young girls around the world. Though poverty, social norms and cultural traditions attribute to child marriages. Lack of education is regarded to be a major reason for child marriage.
Despite attempts to create awareness on girl child education, the Childline authorities continue to receive tip-offs on child marriages in the city and suburbs.
Reports reveal that around 8 to 10 child marriages happen in a month in Coimbatore district. In all such cases, educational levels were lower among families whose children married earlier.
In one incident, the joint efforts of Childline organisation, Social welfare department and police thwarted a child marriage that was about to take place near Alandurai on Monday.
The parents of a minor girl in Alandurai fixed her marriage with a youth on June 3. On being informed, the Childline Counsellor Angelina sent Officer Sulekha to the girl's home. She was accompanied by the officials of social welfare department and police.
The officials explained the parents about Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 and warned them not to perform the wedding till the girl attains 18 years of age.
The officials also got a written consent from the parents of not making further attempts to get the girl married until she is 18.
Those who come cross child marriages can raise complaints to 1098 toll free number, the officials said.