Sunday, November 3, 2024
HomeblogForced marriages

Forced marriages

Forced marriage:

It is a fundamental right of human beings to marry of their own free will, with whomever they like. But unfortunately, this right has always been violated. A forced marriage is the one in which one or both parties is married against their will or consent. A marriage, in which one or both parties do not have choice to end their relationship, is also a forced marriage. Forced marriage is especially common for women, but some traces of it have also seen for men, children and old people.

Causes:

Forced marriages are primarily driven by various factors such as dowry, bride price, kidnapping, debt negotiation, dispute resolution, property and inheritance matters, shotgun weddings, and numerous others. In many instances, it is the parents or caretakers who steer their children towards such marriages. They prioritize saving face, preserving friendships, or settling debts over their children’s autonomy and happiness, thus subjecting them to the shackles of compulsion.

Forced marriage and arrange marriages are two different things:

Forced marriage and arranged marriage are distinct concepts. In an arranged marriage, parents or guardians choose the bride and groom with their consent. On the other hand, forced marriage occurs without the consent of the individuals involved. Forced marriage is akin to a destructive force that erodes the very core of human beings. This harmful practice has a detrimental impact, particularly on girls and women worldwide.

Consequences:

Forced marriage can have severe repercussions on an individual’s life. Those who are coerced into such marriages often lack education and literacy, leading to feelings of depression and unhappiness. Additionally, forced marriage can result in low self-esteem, distrust, and sleep disturbances. It negatively affects the birth and upbringing of children, impacting their development. Ultimately, forced marriage equates to a lifetime of rape, injustice, domestic and sexual abuse, and the deprivation of basic human rights. This form of violence is particularly targeted towards women.

Condemnation of Forced marriages:

Forced marriage is considered a violation of human rights by the United Nations. The International Labour Organization categorizes forced marriage as a type of modern slavery. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights also denounces forced marriages. Moreover, in Islam, consent is required for a marriage to be valid. According to the United Nations, in Asia in 2008, 70-80 percent of marriages were forced.

Forced marriage is a reprehensible and immoral practice that is universally condemned. Raising awareness about its harmful effects is crucial in order to eliminate it from society. Governments must implement stringent measures and enact laws to combat forced marriage effectively.          

Previous article
Next article
RELATED ARTICLES

Dr. Zakir Naik

Threats of AI to Humans

Era of Robots

- Advertisment -

Related to Search

Greek Mythology

Study of Semantics

Reality Check

World War II

Related to Search