A child wife refers to a term primarily used in historical and cultural contexts to denote a young girl who enters into a marital union before reaching the age of adulthood. This term often signifies a phenomenon prevalent in certain societies or eras, where child marriage was an accepted or customary practice.
A child wife typically pertains to a girl who is married off at an early age, sometimes as young as prepubescent, to an adult male partner. Such a union is often driven by societal, economic, or cultural factors rather than the consent or choice of the girl involved. The term "child wife" emphasizes the inherent power imbalance and vulnerability experienced by the underage bride in such a relationship.
This practice is widely considered a violation of human rights and child protection standards in contemporary times. International organizations, governments, and civil society groups actively work towards eradicating child marriage and protecting the rights of children, particularly young girls, from such harmful practices. The consequences of child marriage can be detrimental, including curtailed educational opportunities, increased health risks, psychological trauma, and perpetuation of intergenerational cycles of poverty.
It is essential to recognize and address the complex social, cultural, and economic factors that contribute to child marriage and to promote gender equality, education, and awareness as key strategies in preventing this harmful practice.
