Cynthia Gorney Too Young To Wed

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The word marriage evokes a sentiment of beauty and calming serenity. Images of beautiful bridal gowns and well-dressed men in tuxedos are often the first to come to mind. Yet these images that represent so much, the perception of unity between two people, are often assigned to couples over the age of 18. Northern Indian families have been placed under great scrutiny in the international spotlight as of recent due to forcing their young daughters into early marriage. Child marriage is an abhorrent practice which relegates young girls to a life forfeit of education, opportunities, and choice, which reinforces a misogynist and patriarchal society in India.

Child marriage has existed for hundreds of years, and has played an important role culturally. …show more content…

She noted that some of the marriages were merely "business transactions" in which the girls served as assets to settle debts. Gorney came across many shocking cases of the practice, particularly with a five year old girl Rajani, who was being married to a ten year old boy. Rajani possessed no concept of "marriage" nor of its affiliated concerns. Her opinion of the matter was simply irrelevant, as her parent's had decided her future …show more content…

Gender equality is still a very young concept in India, and early marriages may further threaten the human rights ideal. And while a lack of access to education is of great concern, other Indian girls are faced with peril by the hands of their husbands. Gorney highlighted the tragic case of Nujood Ali, a ten year old girl forced into early marriage by her father. The girl's husband had promised to abstain from intercourse until she was older, but broke his promise on the first night. Nujood's family did nothing after seeing the "bloodied sheets". The despicable crimes comitted against Nujood did not break the girl's strong spirit, instead she decided to do what few other girls had done, fight back. Nujood succeeded in securing a divorce with her husband, and is now actively trying to educate others about the risks of early marriage. Her courage is a rarity among other child marriages throughout India, and serves as proof that the young girls do not want these marriages, and are devoid of choice in these

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