Child marriage has been a global problem happened across countries, cultures and

religions. Worldwide, almost 33,000 girls under legal minimum age of marriage are

wed as child brides every day. In fact, child marriage is no longer a strange practice in

Malaysia. In order to make gender equality a reality in Malaysia, it is obviously that

child marriage should not be allowed in Malaysia.

Firstly, children are too young to shoulder the responsibility of raising a family.

Children cannot even take care of themselves and are in great need of the adults’ help

to deal with daily chores. How can a child be expected to be mature enough in

handling family affairs and family financial problems? Children will only suffer when

they need to do things beyond their ability.

Secondly, children are robbed of their childhood and right to education. Child

brides will probably need to drop out of school and shift their focus to take care of the

family. Children will lose their freedom and end up living for others but not for

themselves. No child should have to go through this. Children should have the

opportunity to enjoy their childhood happily at the right time.

Some may claim that marrying children young is the best way to ensure their

safety from sexual harassment or physical assault. However, what if the child brides

are domestically abused by their own husbands? Children may not have enough

courage to against their husbands because of the pressure comes from feudal thoughts

and public opinions. Eventually children will get traumatised. Domestic violence in

child marriage will only left children with a feeling of deep hurt.

In conclusion, child marriage should be banned in Malaysia because it deprives

children’s childhood and brings them mental and physical suffering. Girls deserve

protection from child marriage.