Child marriage in Tanzania Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Child marriage in Tanzania - Essay Example Early marriage is a deadly practice that exposes a girl to numerous health challenges. One among them is the psychological trauma of being exposed to adulthood responsibilities before the child is fully mature. Most of the girls are married off to men that are much older than them, and even fit to be called their fathers. In the marriage, the man they are married to and his relatives expose them to physical abuse and assault. Early marriage also denies the child a chance to grow and enjoy her childhood. She is forced to behave like a woman as she takes upon the responsibilities that are too big for her. The girl is also denied the chance to attend school and achieve her dreams as she is looked at as property rather than a person with an independent mind. Most of the girls become pregnant at very tender ages before their reproductive systems are fully mature. Early marriage is a mentality that is deep rooted in the Maasai communities in Tanzania. A woman has no say in any matters that pertain to her life. The mentality implies that the men are the overall decision makers and the women have to agree to them, whether they think it is right or not. From the film, we realize that the mothers of the girls have no power to stop their husbands from marrying off their daughters at a tender age. Circumcision, commonly known as female genital mutilation is a cultural practice that binds women regarding making decisions. The women cannot say no to the practice, which is usually a sign that they are ready for marriage.