Child Marriage (film)

Child Marriage (Hindi: बाल विवाह) is an award-winning 2005 American film documentary about the Indian and Hindu practice of engaging children before they are born (see Child Marriage in India).

Making

Film maker Neeraj Kumar traveled from Denver, Colorado (USA) to India, including stops in New Delhi, Rajasthan, and Haryana

Awards and recognition

References

External links

Child marriage

Child marriage is a formal marriage or informal union entered into by an individual before reaching the age of 18. The legally prescribed marriageable age in some jurisdictions is below 18 years, especially in the case of girls; and even when the age is set at 18 years, many jurisdictions permit earlier marriage with parental consent or in special circumstances, such as teenage pregnancy. In certain countries, even when the legal marriage age is 18, cultural traditions take priority over legislative law. Child marriage affects both boys and girls, though the overwhelming majority of those affected are girls, most of whom are in poor socioeconomic situations.

Child marriage is related to child betrothal, and it includes civil cohabitation and court approved early marriages after teenage pregnancy. In many cases, only one marriage-partner is a child, usually the female. Causes of child marriages include poverty, bride price, dowry, cultural traditions, laws that allow child marriages, religious and social pressures, regional customs, fear of remaining unmarried, illiteracy, and perceived inability of women to work for money.