From Girlhood to Grief: Child Brides in Bangladesh
摘要
Child marriage is condemned by many international legislative bodies because it has detrimental effects on the lives of girls who are married too early, ultimately perpetuating sexist ideologies and gender discrimination. This practice remains pervasive in many countries of the Global South, including Bangladesh, even though child marriage is legally prohibited under domestic and international law. This chapter will first explain the economic, traditional, and residential factors that perpetuate the practice in Bangladesh. Afterwards, it will explore the country’s domestic laws and constitution under a legal semiotic lens, identifying legislative weaknesses and issues of implementation that prevent the eradication of child marriage. Finally, it will conclude with recommendations to assist Bangladesh in decreasing its rates of child marriage with the ultimate goal of abolishing the practice completely.