A paradigm shift on early marriage seems to be eventually growing among the tribal communities in the State. leaving their traditional practice of getting their daughters married at an early age, tribal people are now developing a sense of consciousness on the ill effects of child marriage.
This was observed at a State-level interface among tribal communities on child marriage held here on Thursday, where representatives of many tribal communities shared their views on the phenomenon and how things are changing, though gradually, in their communities.
Joining the interface, leaders tribal communities Gadaba, Kondh, Paraja, Juanga, Paudi Bhuyan and Soura from Sundargarh, Ganjam, Koraput and Keonjhar districts said they have taken resolutions to combat child marriage in their respective communities. At their community meetings, they have resolved not to get their daughters and sons married before the age of 18 years and 21 years, respectively. Four different posters based on the resolutions were also released on the occasion.
Joining as chief guest, State Information Commissioner Sashiprava Bindhani said child marriage is one of the major causes of newborn and maternal mortality, child death, malnutrition.
“like birth and death registration, marriage registration should also be properly carried out at gram panchayat level to check child marriage,” Bindhani stressed. She also emphasized on the awareness generation among students on the issue. State Women Commission member Snehanjali Mohanty also shared the view.
The interface was organised by ActionAid. Among others, ActionAid Programme Manager Ghasiram Panda, Alka Gupta and laxminarayan Nanda from the Unicef spoke.