When the law says 'equal', should marriage still come with a gender gap?
The Case for Equalizing the Age
1. Gender Equality Under the Law
Having different ages for men and women implies that girls “mature faster” or should settle down sooner — a stereotype rather than a reality. In today’s society, equality starts with the law. If men and women can vote, work, and drive at the same age, why not marry?
2. Preventing Child Marriage Disguised as Legal
While 18 is legally considered an adult, many 18-year-old girls are still in school or not financially independent. The current law can be exploited to pressure girls into early marriages while they’re still vulnerable.
3. Aligned with Career and Education Goals
With both genders needing to wait until 21, girls would have the opportunity to focus on their education and career aspirations before entering marriage.
4. The law needs to change as society changes.
In India, we've seen significant shifts in both social and economic aspects. Making the legal marriage age the same for everyone would show how far we've come and reinforce women's rights to make their own choices.
But there are differing opinions on this matter.
Some people argue that at 18, women are seen as adults: they can vote, work, and stand trial. So, if they can do all that, they should also have the right to marry when they choose.
However, not everyone has the same opportunities. In many rural areas, some young girls might not go on to higher education. For them, delaying marriage might not be practical or even helpful. A single law might not address the unique challenges people face.
Furthermore, changing the marriage age doesn’t necessarily tackle the problem of early or forced marriages. Many still occur despite current laws, so what's crucial is raising awareness and enforcing existing rules.
Laws are more than just regulations; they reflect our values as a society. Should everyone have the same marriage age, or should individual choice and cultural differences matter?
what do think?
Would setting a universal age really help girls, or just complicate things?
Should we decide marriage age based on maturity rather than gender? Share your thoughts!
Equality shouldn't stop at the courtroom door — it should walk down the wedding aisle too.
The Case for Equalizing the Age
1. Gender Equality Under the Law
Having different ages for men and women implies that girls “mature faster” or should settle down sooner — a stereotype rather than a reality. In today’s society, equality starts with the law. If men and women can vote, work, and drive at the same age, why not marry?
2. Preventing Child Marriage Disguised as Legal
While 18 is legally considered an adult, many 18-year-old girls are still in school or not financially independent. The current law can be exploited to pressure girls into early marriages while they’re still vulnerable.
3. Aligned with Career and Education Goals
With both genders needing to wait until 21, girls would have the opportunity to focus on their education and career aspirations before entering marriage.
4. The law needs to change as society changes.
In India, we've seen significant shifts in both social and economic aspects. Making the legal marriage age the same for everyone would show how far we've come and reinforce women's rights to make their own choices.
But there are differing opinions on this matter.
Some people argue that at 18, women are seen as adults: they can vote, work, and stand trial. So, if they can do all that, they should also have the right to marry when they choose.
However, not everyone has the same opportunities. In many rural areas, some young girls might not go on to higher education. For them, delaying marriage might not be practical or even helpful. A single law might not address the unique challenges people face.
Furthermore, changing the marriage age doesn’t necessarily tackle the problem of early or forced marriages. Many still occur despite current laws, so what's crucial is raising awareness and enforcing existing rules.
Laws are more than just regulations; they reflect our values as a society. Should everyone have the same marriage age, or should individual choice and cultural differences matter?
what do think?
Would setting a universal age really help girls, or just complicate things?
Should we decide marriage age based on maturity rather than gender? Share your thoughts!
Equality shouldn't stop at the courtroom door — it should walk down the wedding aisle too.
