The Indian government has cleared a proposal to raise the minimum age of marriage for women from 18 to 21, as women’s rights activists fear the move could lead to a “real disaster”.
In India, when a girl turns 18, the first thought that comes to the mind of many parents is that now they should get married and their responsibility towards her would be complete.
After that, the girl becomes the responsibility of her in-laws. Where she will live, in what condition, whether she will study further or not, whether she will get a job, all these are decided by her in-laws. Every year, lakhs of girls in India fall prey to this mentality.
This situation is going to change now as the union cabinet approved the proposal to raise the legal marriage age for women.
The decision was arrived at on the basis of the recommendations of a task force which was formed to deliberate on the issue.
Here’s how the move will benefit women
The idea is based on the suggestions of a task force established by the Centre to look into concerns such as maternal age, the imperatives of lowering MMR (Maternal Mortality Rate), nutritional levels, and other connected factors.”
A comprehensive public awareness campaign should be planned to enhance social acceptance of the decision to raise the legal marriage age for women, according to the committee.
The move will change the mindset of the people who think that women belong in the kitchen and raising children is their only job.
At the same time, it has worked to ensure that females have access to schools and universities, including organising transportation in cases when educational institutions are located in remote places.
Sex education should be formalised and integrated into the school curriculum, according to the committee.
The proposals also include training of women at polytechnic colleges, skills and business training, and livelihood enhancement as ways to ensure that a rise in the marriageable age may be accomplished.