Stating that psychological and physical maturity is an essential precondition for marriage, the government is preparing to bring a policy, which would also address the underlying causes of child marriage, such as poverty and lack of education and awareness.Under Secretary at the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Welfare Kiran Rupakhetee stressed the urgency to address the issue of child marriage. He said the national strategy will lay the foundation for conducting advocacy and orientation programs to raise awareness against child marriage.
The government also plans to empower girls by providing their access to education.
The issue of child marriage has also been raised in the 13th periodic plan of the government.
According to a report of UNICEF 'The State of the World's Children 2011', Nepal ranked among the top 10 countries where child marriage is prevalent. The report adds that over half (51 percent) of the Nepali women aged between 20 to 24 years were married before they were 18.
Similarly, the National Demographic Health Survey (NDHS) 2010/11 revealed that 29% of adolescent girls between 15 and 19 years were married, and 5 percent were married by the age of 15.
The government is also planning to introduce adolescent development programs to educate women about reproductive health.
Related story
No let up in child marriage: NCRC
