Daily Times

Sir: Across the developing world where child marriage is most prevalent, investing in sons’ education is seen as a worthwhile investment to parents.

But marrying daughters off reduces expenses with one less person to feed, clothe and educate. It is a way to repay debts, manage disputes, or settle social, economic and political alliances. Dowry is a welcome income for poor families in some communities, who have to pay less for a young and uneducated bride.

These girls drop out of school, face fatal health complications from early pregnancy and childbearing, and are exposed to STIs including HIV. The count of child brides is expected to reach from 700 million today to 950 million by 2030. Every individual and society must help reduce this plague

ZN Baloch

Via E-Mail

Published in Daily Times, February 19^th 2018.