Latest update January 4th, 2025 5:30 AM

Guyana's largest selling daily and New York's most popular weekly

Latest News

TEEN MARRIAGE

Apr 01, 2017 Editorial, Features / Columnists

A few weeks ago the Director of the Childcare and Protection Agency reported that her entity was investigating a situation where a 14-year-old girl was “married off” by her parents, to a much older man. Underage marriage has been an issue in Guyana for decades.
After several complaints about parents marrying their teenage daughters as young as 13 years old to older men, the National Assembly unanimously passed a law which raised the legal age for consent for sexual activity from 13 to 16 years. It meant that anyone marrying a teenager below the age of 16, even with parental consent, will be charged with a criminal offence.
Parents can only consent to marry their children when they are 16 years or older. Those who continue the practice will face the full force of the law. However, it would appear as though some Guyanese are still committing this offence in the name of culture and custom.
Child marriage is not only illegal, but it could also be particularly harmful to a girl’s health. Although underage marriages are not as widespread as they were in the past, the possibility exists that many cases are not reported. Studies show that one in every 20 Guyanese girls is a victim of being married as a child. This occurs mainly among the poorest 40% of households in rural communities, and to girls who have had only a primary level education. It is also estimated that some 28% of Amerindian women between the ages of 15-19 are in a marriage or similar union, and about 21% of East Indian women and five percent of African women in the same age group were married.
Guyana is a signatory to the Convention on the Rights of a Child which has placed paramount importance on the interest of children. Among other things, the Rights of the Child states that the child shall enjoy special protection, and shall be given opportunities and facilities, by law and by other means, to enable him/her to develop physically, mentally, morally, spiritually and socially in a healthy and normal manner, and in conditions of freedom and dignity.
Marriage between teens can be a complicated issue. The problems associated with teen marriages can potentially overwhelm even the best relationship. Most teens are not financially stable and this can take a huge toll on their marriage. It can be difficult for a teen to develop a career while juggling the responsibilities of marriage and parenthood.
Many teens who are married tend to drop out of school or are likely to postpone plans to further their education, which could hurt their long-term financial aspects. According to experts, there is a strong correlation between teenage marriages and higher rates of poverty. Even teens who are earning a lot of money may be worse off once married, because the marriage may prevent them from advancing their careers.
Teen brides and grooms may also be unprepared for the emotional impact of marriage. Dealing with someone on a daily basis is not the same as seeing that person on some evening dates or meeting with him or her at school. Teen marriage can be mentally taxing, and some may turn to drug or alcohol use as an escape mechanism for situations they are not prepared to handle. Mental health issues are a major concern for females who marry early in life. Studies have found that women who marry as teens have a 41 percent higher rate of mental disorders throughout the rest of their lives, compared to women who marry later in life. These disorders include depression, bipolar disorder and anxiety disorders. This is too high a price to pay.

Similar Articles

The Glenn Lall Show | December, 2nd, 2024

Follow on Tik Tok @Glennlall

THE BLUNT OF THE DAY

Sports

GBBFF boss reflects on milestones and leadership transition

GBBFF boss reflects on milestones and leadership transition

Jan 04, 2025

Kaieteur Sports- Guyana’s bodybuilding scene has reached unprecedented heights, with outgoing President of the Guyana Body Building and Fitness Federation (GBBFF), Keavon Bess, hailing 2024 as...
Read More
National stars shine in GCF End of Year Chess Tournament

National stars shine in GCF End of Year Chess...

Jan 04, 2025

Two more young cricketers benefit from Project “Cricket Gear for young and promising cricketers in Guyana”.

Two more young cricketers benefit from Project...

Jan 04, 2025

Tonight: Sparta Boss goes up against Bent Street ‘A’ for K&S National Futsal title

Tonight: Sparta Boss goes up against Bent Street...

Jan 03, 2025

Botafgo pummel Milerock, 11-7, to become new UDFA Christmas Futsal Champions 

Botafgo pummel Milerock, 11-7, to become new UDFA...

Jan 03, 2025

BCB player transfer window opens for 2025 

BCB player transfer window opens for 2025 

Jan 03, 2025

Features/Columnists

Publisher’s Note

Freedom of speech is our core value at Kaieteur News. If the letter/e-mail you sent was not published, and you believe that its contents were not libellous, let us know, please contact us by phone or email.

Feel free to send us your comments and/or criticisms.
Contact: 624-6456; 225-8452; 225-8458; 225-8463; 225-8465; 225-8473 or 225-8491.
Or by Email: [email protected] / [email protected]

Weekend Cartoon

Bridge Watch

Demerara Harbour Bridge

> Berbice Bridge […]