#news #childmarriage #Nepal
In the village municipality of Bahadurpur in Palpa district, a 15-year-old boy named Yamishwar Jargha recently entered into a love marriage. At the age of 24, he is now a father to a one-year-old son.
Yamishwar’s story sheds light on the prevalent issue of child marriages in Nepal, especially in rural areas. Despite being in the fifth grade, Jargha got married while still in school. His experience reflects a common trend where young boys and girls are pushed into early marriages, often leading to unwanted consequences.
Representing Kansai Nepal News, Ramesh Khatri expressed concern over the alarming rate of child marriages in the region. He emphasized the need for stricter enforcement of laws to prevent such practices and protect the rights and well-being of young individuals.
Child marriages not only disrupt the education and development of young individuals but also pose serious health risks, as highlighted by data from the Palpa District Health Office. Shockingly, around 13% of pregnant women in Palpa are found to have gotten married before the legal age of 20, underscoring the urgency to address this issue.
In response to the concerning trend, local authorities have initiated programs like ‘Bal Mitra’ to combat child marriages. However, the success of these initiatives remains a challenge, as the allocated budgets often fall short of achieving their intended goals.
The situation is further compounded by societal norms and traditions that perpetuate the practice of child marriage. Despite efforts to raise awareness and implement anti-child marriage campaigns, the deep-rooted cultural beliefs and lack of social stigma around the issue continue to hinder progress.
In conclusion, child marriage stands as a pressing issue that requires collective action from both the government and society to bring about meaningful change and safeguard the well-being of young individuals.
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Author: MAYA | HARUTO
Posted at: February 28, 2025 12:01 am
