The Effect of Effect of Early Marriage Essay Example

Moreover, early and forced marriage leads to illiteracy and lack of education since girls typically abandon school either shortly before or after getting married.

Despite the common perception that marriage signifies a girl's transition into adulthood and makes education irrelevant, it is widely recognized that education is crucial in preventing early and forced marriages. Merely having access to education is insufficient; factors like expenses, quantity, quality, and curriculum also significantly impact whether girls are coerced to sacrifice their education and marry at a young age. Research carried out by Plan Egypt revealed that substandard schooling conditions contribute to girls abandoning their studies – problems such as overcrowded classrooms, inadequately trained teachers, and instances of gender-based violence make early marriage appear more appealing.

The expectation that girls will marry rather than work affects their education quality. Teachers may give them less attention and limited access to learning materials compared to boys. The cost of educating a daughter may not be considered a worthwhile investment. The best way to support girls in completing a quality basic education is by focusing on their rights. This involves ensuring that learning environments are safe, accessible, and inspirational. Girls should be able to travel to and from school safely, study in secure surroundings, have their specific needs accommodated, and teachers who sexually abuse students should face penalties. Education opportunities should be available and free, with schools built near communities and separate sanitation facilities provided. Parents and communities should be actively involved in school management, and campaigns highlighting the importance of girls' education should be carried out. Qualified teachers, especially female ones, should teach girls. Teachers should receive training on understanding girls' rights and

gender equality. Curricula for girls should be tailored to their needs, including teaching on sexual and reproductive health.

By educating and empowering girls, we can help promote consensual marriages in the future. This initiative also helps delay sexual initiation, lower rates of HIV and AIDS, and create greater gender equality. Various organizations like Plan and other NGOs have effectively implemented global education programs that have increased girls' school attendance and reduced early marriage. These programs aim to raise awareness about girls' rights and empower them to refuse early marriage.

The text highlights the significance of improving education and school retention for girls in the poorest nations to eradicate early and forced marriage. To achieve this goal, both national governments and the international community must take decisive and positive action. Governments can contribute by following human rights instruments like CEDAW, UNCRC, and UDHR that address issues related to forced and early marriage.

Currently, 86 countries have signed CEDAW; however, signatories don't always ensure effective implementation at a national level. Proper enforcement and increased awareness among girls and young women about their rights are crucial. Plan UK urges the UK Government to enhance its efforts in ending early and forced marriage through improved cooperation across Whitehall, expanded programming by the Department for International Development in developing nations, and using its influence to advocate for effective international policies and actions.