Early marriages within the framework of the socio-cultural and economic factors: The case of Ankara Pursaklar

Early marriage, defined as a formal marriage or informal union before age eighteen, is an issue of concern for boys as well as girls. Several UN bodies and conventions consider eighteen to be the minimum age when a young person is able to make a significant life decision such as marriage. These include the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), the Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC). Early marriage is an issue of concern for boys as well as girls. However, we will focus on girls both because the phenomenon is not as widespread among boys, and because many of the consequences, such as the physical dangers associated with early childbirth, or status and power in the household, are specific to girls. Marrying girls under eighteen years old is rooted in gender discrimination, encouraging premature and continuous child bearing. In many traditional settings, poor families use the early marriage of daughters as a strategy for reducing their own economic vulnerability, shifting the economic burden related to a daughter?s care to the husband?s family. In such families with limited resources, early marriage is often seen as a way to provide for their daughter?s future. However, girls who marry young have an increased chance of being poor and remaining poor. Girls face huge risks when they marry young. They are much more prone to death or injury due to early sexual activity and early childbearing. Child brides are also at risk of violence, abuse and exploitation. Early marriage often results in separation from family and friends and lack of freedom to participate in community activities, which can all have major consequences on girls? mental and physical well-being. Early marriage is a clear violation of human rights, including the rights to life, liberty, self-determination and health. Ending the practice of early marriage requires a concerted, international effort. This is essential to protect the rights of women and girls, and to improve maternal and child health, education and empowerment in developing societies worldwide. Key Words: 1. Family 2. Gender 3. Domestic role 4. Marriage