NATIONAL CONFERENCE ON ENDING CHILD MARRIAGES IN INDIA

At a national level consultation on child marriages in India organized by Women Power Connect with support from Ford Foundation, one of the main concerns raised was that law is proving to be ineffective in ending child marriages. 

Child marriages in India are rooted in impoverishment, patriarchy, and son preference.  The system of patrilocality and the low economic value placed on the girl child leads to families marrying their daughter early in order to avoid costs associated with her studies and paying less dowry.  Conservative sexual norms also lead to child marriages as the emphasis on virginity remains important in India.

In this context, Dr. Ranjana Kumari, Chairperson of WPC, observed that patriarchal customs, such as Kanyadan, need to be discouraged and our focus should be on changing mindsets.  Education and behavioral change can bring about greater reduction in child marriage rates than the law can.