Raksha Bandhan- A Start To End Child Marriage For Our Sisters

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The festival of Raksha Bandhan celebrates the special bond between brothers and sisters and holds a deeper significance beyond the exchange of gifts and sweets. In the recent years, sisters and daughters in general have been subjected to various exploitation and distress and issues like child marriages continue to plague our society.

Raksha Bandhan presents a unique opportunity for brothers to take a meaningful pledge - a pledge to protect their sisters from the evil practice of early marriage and child marriages.

India reported the highest number of child marriages in the world among other countries where this evil tradition is still in practice. The national family health survey (2019-2021) around 23.3% of girls between the age group of 20-24 years have been married before they turned 18.

Early marriage and child marriages are deeply entrenched practices in many parts of the world, affecting millions of young girls and their futures. These practices rob girls of their childhood, education, and opportunities, pushing them into adulthood before they are physically, mentally, and emotionally ready.

The concept of Raksha Bandhan goes beyond the mere act of tying a protective thread. It symbolizes the commitment of a brother to safeguard his sister's well-being. Brothers, as protectors, can play a pivotal role in changing mindsets and challenging norms that perpetuate this harmful practice. Brothers across the country have an opportunity to make a tangible difference by taking a pledge to stand against child marriages of their sisters. There are many ways to do this.

Brothers can commit to supporting their sisters' education and career aspirations, helping them achieve their full potential before entering into marriage. One can pledge to raise awareness within their families and communities about the negative consequences of early marriage and child marriages, encouraging open discussions to challenge traditional beliefs.

Brothers can promise to shield their sisters from pressures that may arise from societal expectations and family dynamics, ensuring that their decisions are based on their own aspirations and well-being. They can further offer emotional support to their sisters, creating a safe space where they can freely express their dreams and concerns without fear of judgment.

The need to actively involve girls in decision-making processes, fostering their independence and agency to shape their own lives is extremely pertinent in the current scenario. Brothers can serve as role models for their peers, inspiring them to adopt a similar approach towards protecting their sisters' rights and futures.

By taking a pledge to prevent early marriages and child marriages, brothers can truly embody the spirit of this festival. This Raksha Bandhan, let us strive for a future where sisters are empowered, educated, and protected from the scourge of early marriage, and where brothers truly live up to their role as protectors.