The Passing of the Bill to raise the legal age for women to marry from 18 to 21 during the first day of its Monsoon Session in the Legislative Assembly of Himachal Pradesh on August 27th, 2024, has sparked significant debate. The remarkable bill, “Prohibition of Child Marriage (Himachal Pradesh Amendment) Act, 2024” aims to amend the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 and has been widely supported in the assembly by the Women Representatives.
“Early marriages acted as a hindrance to the progress of a woman’s career and her physical development, the bill stated” – The bill stated.
While some view it as a necessary reform to promote gender equality and empower women, others argue it may infringe upon personal freedoms. However, the potential societal benefits of this change are substantial, and it could mark a significant step forward in addressing several deep-rooted issues.
Even though, this bill has been passed only by the State of Himachal Pradesh, I believe that increasing the legal marriage age for women from 18 to 21 is an essential reform across India, as early marriage often impedes a woman's overall development. The potential benefits of increasing the legal age for women to marry are discussed below:
1. Empowered Women Through Education and Career Opportunities
One of the primary benefits of raising the legal marriage age is that it encourages women to pursue higher education and career opportunities. In many parts of India, young women are often pressured into marriage shortly after turning 18, cutting short their education and limiting their potential for economic independence. By increasing the legal age to 21, women are provided with more time to complete their education, pursue higher studies, and enter the workforce, thereby contributing to their own financial independence and the nation's economic growth.
2. Reduced Child Marriages and Associated Health Risks
Child marriage is still a prevalent issue in many parts of India, often leading to early pregnancies, which pose significant health risks to young mothers and their children. By raising the legal age to 21, the incidence of child marriages is likely to decrease, leading to better maternal and child health outcomes. Older mothers are generally better equipped, both physically and emotionally, to handle the challenges of pregnancy and childbirth, resulting in healthier families and communities.
3. Gender Equality
Raising the legal marriage age for women to 21 aligns with the legal age for men, thereby promoting gender equality. Historically, the lower marriage age for women has been rooted in patriarchal norms that view women primarily as homemakers. Equalizing the marriage age for both genders challenge these stereotypes and sends a strong message that women’s lives, education, and careers are equally valuable.
4. Curbing Domestic Violence and Abuse
Young brides are often more vulnerable to domestic violence and abuse due to their lack of experience, economic dependency, and lower educational attainment. By allowing women more time to mature, gain education, and achieve economic independence before marriage, they are likely to be better equipped to make informed decisions about their partners and relationships. This can lead to a decrease in domestic violence and contribute to healthier, more balanced marriages.
5. Enhancing Women’s Autonomy and Decision-Making Power
The decision to marry is one of the most significant choices in a person’s life, and it should be made with full autonomy and awareness of its implications. Raising the legal marriage age to 21 provides women with more time to develop their personalities, understand their rights, and make informed decisions about their futures. This enhances their autonomy and contributes to the broader goal of empowering women in society.
6. Long-Term Economic Benefits
Educated and economically active women contribute significantly to the economy. By delaying marriage and childbearing, women can participate more fully in the workforce, thereby boosting their earning potential and contributing to the nation's GDP. Moreover, with better education and health outcomes, the next generation is likely to be healthier and more productive, leading to long-term economic benefits.
7. Alignment with the SDGs
Finally, raising the legal marriage age reinforces the legal framework that protects women's rights. It aligns with various international conventions and goals, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which emphasize the need to end child marriage and promote gender equality. By setting 21 as the legal marriage age, India would making a strong statement about its commitment to safeguarding the rights and futures of its women.
Conclusion
Raising the legal age for women to marry to 21 would be more than just a legislative change; it is a progressive step toward building a society where women have the freedom, time, and resources to shape their own destinies. Through education, economic empowerment, and enhanced autonomy, this change can contribute to a more equitable, healthy, and prosperous society for all.
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