Child Marriage: A Hidden Form of Child Labor

 Child Marriage: A Hidden Form of Child Labor

 When we think of child labor, we often picture children toiling away in factories or fields. However, there's a less visible, yet equally alarming form of child exploitation that often goes unnoticed: child marriage. It is a complete violation of a girl’s human rights. It is illegal because it puts girls in jeopardy, violates their rights as children, and distorts the rest of their lives. Its victims are raped repeatedly and subjected to high-risk pregnancies, life-threatening childbirth complications and heightened exposure to sexually transmitted infections such as HIV. Here’s why understanding child marriage as a type of child labor is crucial for addressing both issues effectively.

According to ILO Recommendation and SDG 8.7 standards, child labor includes working more than 21 hours per week for children under 15 (no threshold exists for children over 15). 

A multi-country study highlights a troubling link between child labor and child marriage. In India, for example, girls aged 12-17 who worked longer hours—ranging from 7 to 28 hours per week—were more likely to be married. This suggests that the demands of labor and the pressures of marriage are interconnected. Additionally, married children may face hazardous working conditions, such as working at night or in unhealthy environments like smoky kitchens. Unfortunately, there is limited data on these specific conditions, making it challenging to fully assess the extent of this issue.

Shakti Organisation proudly proclaims a significant success in the ongoing battle against child marriage. Through focused intervention and collaboration with the Kailash Satyarthi Children's Foundation, it has prevented a marriage that could have drastically impacted the young girl's future.

On a positive note, the girl's parents have signed an agreement to delay the marriage until she is at least 18 years old. This document is crucial not only for protecting the girl's rights but also for ensuring a better future for her.

This achievement marks a significant milestone in Shakti’s mission to create a child marriage-free India. It demonstrates how collaborative efforts and dedicated advocacy can bring about positive change.