By Chidera Eke, News/Comments
What is Marriage: Marriage, a legally and socially sanctioned union, usually between a man and a woman, that is regulated by laws, rules, customs, beliefs, and attitudes that prescribe the rights and duties of the partners and accords status to their offspring (if any).
The university of marriage within different societies and cultures is attributed to the many basic social and personal functions for which it provides structure, such as sexual gratification and regulation, division of labour between the sexes, economic production and consumption, and satisfaction of personal needs for affection, status, and companionship. Perhaps its functions include care of children and their education and socialization, and regulation of lines of descent. Through the ages, marriages have taken a great number of forms. (See exchange marriage; group marriage; polyandry; polygamy; Same sex marriage; none binary marriage; tree marriage and many more.)
According to Oxford dictionary, marriage is the legally or formally recognized union of two people as partners in a personal relationship (historically and in some jurisdictions specifically a union between a man and a woman).
According to the church (Catholic church)
The exchange of consent between a man and a woman is an essential part of the marriage ceremony in which the Sacrament of Marriage is a lasting commitment of a man and a woman to a lifelong partnership, established for the good of each other and the procreation of their children.
What is early marriage?
Early marriage and Child marriage largely refer to as the same type or kind of marriages in which one or both spouses are under 18 years old. However, early marriage is also sometimes used to describe marriages in which one or both spouses are 18 or older, but with the ability to grant consent and make decisions in regarding marital vows and duties. But child marriage is the opposite, because this child marriage refers to any formal marriage or informal union between a child under the age of 18 to an adult or another child. Child marriage is a prevalent issue in many parts of the world, including Nigeria.
According to UNICEF, 43% of girls in Nigeria are married off before the age of 18, and 17% are married off before the age of 15.
Efforts are being made to address child marriage in Nigeria, including the passage of the Child Rights Act passed in 2003, which sets the minimum age of marriage at 18 but despite this, child marriage remains widespread, with approximately one in five girls married in childhood across the globe. However, more work needs to be done to ensure that girls are protected from this harmful practice. One of the ways, is making education as key with enlightenment campaign starting from family down to primary, secondary and tertiary education.
Women and Early Marriage
In Africa today, especially Nigeria, my fatherland, precisely, the Igbos, my tribe and few other tribes, it is believed that women are to be married off before the age of 25. However, the age of lawful consent to a marriage in the early century was 12 for girls and 14 for boys, as promulgated by the Ancient Roman law. But today, many countries have adopted the age of 18 as the lawful marriageable age,getting married at the age is now widely accepted as long as both partners are matured in mind and resources. Most culture in Africa encourages that kind of marriage and it’s crucial to recognize that early marriage is a complex issue, influenced by various factors, including religion, culture, tradition, poverty, and lack of education. Addressing early marriage requires a nuanced approach that considers multiple perspectives and promotes girls’ rights and empowerment. Let’s take a look at factors that might promote women in early marriage.
Religion
In some cases religion might be a factor for a woman to get involved in early marriage. It is sometimes used as a reason in some cultures and communities. Certain interpretations of religious teachings may be used to justify early marriage, often citing divine commandments or traditional practices.
In some conservative religious communities, early marriage is seen as a way to protect a girl’s chastity and modesty. While some other religious leaders may encourage early marriage as a means to prevent “sinful” behavior, such as premarital sex and in some cultures, religious tradition dictates that girls should be married soon after puberty, as a sign of maturity and readiness for family life.
However, it’s essential to note that not all religious communities condone early marriage and many religious leaders and scholars argue that early marriage is not supported by religious teachings and can harm girls’ well-being. So religion should not be considered as a major factor that promotes early marriage.
Society
Yes, society also plays major role in pressuring women into early marriage. IN many cultures, early marriage is seen as a social norm and a sign of responsibility it has become a cultural and social norms to them because women are often expected to prioritize marriage and family over education and career goals and some are even stigmatized. In some African homes or community women who don’t marry early may face social stigma and shame by side talking and disrespecting single ladies who didn’t get married at the age that as be benchmarked for them, leading other younger ladies to feel pressured into early marriage.
Family expectations/Economic factors:
Many young women or ladies have been pressured by their own families into marrying young to fulfill their own social and economic expectations in societies, due to their financial instability and poverty they sell their young daughters into marriage to secure financial stability and status and in some cases this young ladies end up paying the bigger price just for the happiness of their family members.
Patriarchal values
Societies with strong patriarchal values may prioritize male dominance and control, leading to the suppression of women’s autonomy and agency. Some families might refuse to empower their daughters by limiting their opportunities and In some communities, women may have limited access to education and job opportunities, making marriage seem like the only option for them.Parents might even use the phrase “ a woman’s place is in the kitchen.” Just to prevent their daughters from having proper education. These societal pressures can lead to a lack of agency and autonomy for women, forcing them into early marriage and potentially harmful situations and it is very essential to address these societal factors and work towards creating a culture that values women’s empowerment, education, and autonomy.
However, it’s important to note that every individual’s experience is unique, and some women may have positive experiences getting married at 18. Factors like personal maturity, support systems, and equal partnerships can make a significant difference. But early marriage might be an indication that people have taken the time to discover and comprehend who they are, their objectives, and their ideals. They might have had prior relationships or experiences that enlightened them about what they genuinely desired in a mate, resulting in better, more harmonious relationships.
What is your own thoughts on early marriage? (+2349126686480)
For Your Interview On National Issues, Or Article, Commentary Or Event I Coverage. View Our Services And Profile By Clicking About Afrikanwatch Network And Service.+2348028592006, +2349126686480: Email Us @: Afrikanwatch122@Gmail.Com
