Child Marriage in Bangladesh Flashcards
What section of 1860 Penal Code explains statutory rape?
Section 375
How does 1860 Penal Code define statutory rape?
with or without her consent, when she is under 14 years of age.
What does the 1860 Penal Code imply about age of consent?
age of consent is 14
What is the legal age of consent in Bangladesh?
18
How prevalent is child marriage in Bangladesh?
over 50% of girls are married before age 18.
Is child marriage decreasing in Bangladesh?
In 2000, around 66% of girls were married before 18, compared to about 51% in 2023
What are the main drivers of child marriage in Bangladesh?
Poverty, Gender inequality, Fear of sexual harassment or pre-marital relationships damaging family reputation
How does climate change impact child marriage in Bangladesh?
climate-vulnerable areas, families may marry off daughters early due to economic insecurity or displacement.
What are the health impacts of child marriage?
Early pregnancies with high maternal and infant mortality risks
Increased risk of domestic violence
Mental health issues due to lack of agency and autonomy
What are the social and educational impacts?
Girls often drop out of school permanently
Restricted access to employment opportunities
Perpetuation of the cycle of poverty
How does child marriage affect the economy?
It limits women’s workforce participation, reducing potential GDP growth and national productivity. The World Bank estimates billions in lost earnings due to early marriage and childbearing.
How does Feminist IR theory interpret child marriage in Bangladesh?
reflection of patriarchal structures, gender-based violence, and the systemic marginalization of girls in both domestic and global politics.
How does Postcolonial theory view this issue?
colonial legacies and global inequalities shape local conditions, while also warning against Western-led interventions that might ignore cultural nuances or agency.
What role does international law play?
implementation gaps remain due to customary law and social resistance.
What are some key international actors addressing child marriage in Bangladesh?
Government initiatives, such as the National Plan of Action to End Child Marriage (2018–2030)
How does realism view child marriage policy in Bangladesh?
Low-priority in international politics unless it affects state interests, highlighting why such social issues are often neglected in global power dynamics.
What act set the age of consent to 18?
Child Marriage Restraint Act in 2016
What is the “Red Card” campaign?
Initiative to reduce child marriages by promoting behavioral change and social mobilization at the community level
What impact do incentives like distributing cooking oil to girls under 18 have on marriage?
Encourage families to postpone marrying off girls
