Child Marriage Crisis in Malaysia: Urgent Action Needed to Protect Children’s Rights
Child marriage continues to persist as a concerning and deeply-rooted problem in Malaysia, despite efforts to address it. This practice, which infringes upon the rights and well-being of young girls, remains a significant barrier to achieving gender equality and ensuring the holistic development of children.
Malaysia, a beautifully diverse nation with rich cultural traditions, unfortunately, harbors a darker side when it comes to child marriage. It is alarming to note that thousands of underage girls are forced into marriages, often against their will, every year. This issue disproportionately affects girls from marginalized communities, who face multiple layers of discrimination and limited access to education and resources.
One of the primary drivers of child marriage in Malaysia is poverty. Families living in poverty may see marrying off their young daughters as a way to cope with financial hardships, especially in rural areas where economic opportunities are scarce. Moreover, certain cultural and religious beliefs perpetuate child marriage, with some communities viewing it as a means to preserve honor, control sexual behavior, or maintain social status. These deep-rooted norms and values further perpetuate the cycle of child marriage, making it difficult to eradicate.
The harm caused by child marriage is multifaceted, extending beyond the immediate impact on the individual girl. Young girls who are forced into early marriages are often deprived of their right to education, limiting their potential and perpetuating cycles of poverty. Furthermore, child brides are likely to experience significant physical and psychological health problems, as they are more susceptible to domestic violence, sexual abuse, and complications during childbirth. These consequences can have far-reaching implications on the overall well-being of not just the child bride, but also their families and communities at large.
Efforts to tackle child marriage in Malaysia have been made through legislative measures, awareness campaigns, and initiatives by civil society organizations and various stakeholders. The Malaysian government has taken steps to raise the minimum age of marriage for girls to 18, but with exceptions in certain cases. Despite these efforts, progress remains slow and much more needs to be done to enforce these laws effectively and change deeply ingrained societal attitudes.
To address child marriage effectively, it is crucial to adopt a holistic approach involving multiple sectors. Enhancing access to quality education, particularly for girls from marginalized backgrounds, is crucial in breaking the cycle of poverty and tackling deep-rooted norms. Additionally, comprehensive sexuality education, focusing on promoting gender equality and empowering young girls, is essential to challenge harmful beliefs and attitudes that perpetuate child marriage.
Public awareness campaigns and community engagement programs play a pivotal role in challenging social norms and raising awareness about the consequences of child marriage. By creating safe spaces for dialogue and discussion, communities can better understand the importance of protecting the rights and well-being of their children, irrespective of cultural or religious practices.
Child marriage is a human rights issue that demands urgent attention and action. It is only through collective efforts, including legislative changes, increased educational opportunities, and proactive community engagement, that we can hope to eliminate this harmful practice. By investing in the future of our girls and ensuring their rights are protected, we can create a better Malaysia for all, where every child has the opportunity to thrive and realize their full potential.
Human right activist
Nada Foundation
