SifatNusrat

Back

Project 1

Project Name: Research Proposal Child Marriage in Urban Area

Topic: Child Marriage in Urban Area

Project Date: Summer 2018

Project Description: In Communication Research, a requirement was outlined to conceive of and undertake an empirical investigation, posited as a tentative proposal, pertaining to a topic within the social sciences domain. The aforementioned collaborative undertaking was appointed as the ultimate academic task for the enrolled class. This sample proposal comprises a section for the narrowing down of the topic, a well-defined research purpose, thoughtfully crafted research questions, a rigorous and systematic literature review, and a meticulously designed research methodology. The current study aimed to investigate the prevalence and underlying factors of child marriage within urban localities.

Project Justification: The persistence of the practice of arranging child marriages is observed in both rural areas and urban slums. The onset of puberty is commonly perceived as an emblematic manifestation of the attainment of maturity and is correspondingly associated with the aptitude for matrimony in various societies. Notwithstanding its illegality, the practice of the bride's family providing dowry payments to the groom's family remains pervasive. The ascending trend of dowry can be observed through the pervasiveness of dowry-associated customs.

1. Introduction

Bangladesh’s socio-cultural environment contains pervasive gender discrimination, so girls and women face many obstacles to their development. Girls are often considered financial burdens on their families, and from birth, they receive less investment in their health, care and education; with the advent of puberty, differences in how adolescent girls and boys are treated become much more pronounced. Adolescence is not viewed as a distinct phase of life; instead, the onset of physical maturity is seen as an abrupt shift from childhood to adulthood. At puberty, girls’ mobility is often restricted, which limits their access to livelihood, learning and recreational and social activities. Bangladesh’s child marriage and adolescent motherhood rates are among the highest in the world. Maternal mortality rates also remain incredibly high. Poor maternal health results from early marriage, women’s malnutrition, a lack of access to and use of medical services and a lack of knowledge and information. Most women give birth without a skilled attendant. Women’s mobility is greatly limited in the home, and their decision-making power is often restricted. For instance, about 48 per cent of Bangladeshi women say that their husbands alone make decisions about their health. In comparison, 35 per cent say that their husbands make decisions regarding visits to family and friends(“Social Welfare Projects,” n.d.)

Violence against women is another major impediment to women’s development. (Age Group, n.d.)

2. Background of the Study

Child marriage does not only happen in the rural area. Nowadays, it's also a familiar and significant problem in urban areas. Last few years, many schoolgirls are get married. Arranging child marriages remains common, especially in rural areas and urban slums, where many families believe puberty's onset signifies readiness for marriage. Although the practice is illegal, it is common for the bride’s family to pay a dowry to the groom's family. There is evidence that the practice of dowry is becoming more common. (Srivastava et al., 2021)

In one study, women aged 46-60 reported that dowry was practically non-existent when they married, while 46% of women aged 15-25 reported having to pay dowry. (Economic Shocks and the Age of Marriage in Sub-Saharan Africa and India, n.d.)

3. Research Question

Is Child Marriage decreasing, or are we not getting any information because no case was filed??

If yes, then why are we not getting any information??

4. Literature Review

4.1 Child Marriage

While the practice of child marriage has decreased in Bangladesh over the last 30 years, it remains common in rural areas and urban slums, especially among the poor. The legal age of marriage is 18 for girls. However, three-quarters of women aged 20-49 were married before age 18(UNICEF and BBS, Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) 2006, Bangladesh 2007). Arranging child marriages remains common, especially in rural areas and urban slums, where many families believe puberty's onset signifies readiness for marriage. Although the practice is illegal, it is common for the bride’s family to pay a dowry to the groom's family. There is evidence that the practice of dowry is becoming more common.(Srivastava et al., 2021) In one study, women aged 46-60 reported that dowry was practically non-existent when they married, while 46% of women aged 15-25 reported that they had to pay a dowry (World Bank, Whispers to Voices: Gender and Social Transformation in Bangladesh, March 2008). Dowry paying is more common in poorer sections of society and reinforces poverty because it often renders families destitute. Despite the cost of dowry, more impoverished families consider early marriage financially beneficial. Dowry generally increases as girls become older and more expensive. Early marriage also relieves families of caring for their daughters because they live with their husband’s families once married. But early marriage threatens girls’ education, mobility, health and safety. A child bride usually drops out of school and begins full-time work in the home of her husband’s parents, where she often lacks bargaining power and may be reduced to the status of a bonded labourer. Adolescent brides are often much younger than their husbands since men are not considered ready to marry until they have some financial independence. This reduces Marriage equality, negatively affects girls' life chances, and increases the probability that they will be widowed. In a strictly patriarchal society like Bangladesh, being without a male protector and provider can render women vulnerable to abuse and isolation from the community.

4.2 Motherhood

Bangladesh’s maternal mortality ratio is one of the highest in the region. Government figures estimate that there are 320 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births (National Institute of Population and Research Training, Bangladesh Maternal Health and Maternal Mortality Survey (BMMS) 2001¸ Dhaka 2003.). However, the UN estimates we place the rate as high as 570 deaths per 100,000 live births (UNICEF, State of the World’s Children, November 2009). The prevalence of unattended home births, high births to adolescent girls, and malnourishment are the main contributors to the high maternal mortality rate. A woman’s lifetime risk of dying in pregnancy or childbirth is one in 51, compared to one in 47,600 in Ireland (the best performer) (ibid). (James, n.d.) About 12,000 women die yearly from pregnancy or childbirth complications (Government of Bangladesh, Millennium Development Goals: Bangladesh Progress Report 2008). Bangladesh also has one of the world’s highest rates of adolescent motherhood. One in three women starts childbearing before age 20(National Institute of Population Research and Training (NIPORT), Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey 2007, March 2009). While the number of births to adolescent mothers has reduced by almost one quarter in the past 18 years, the pace of decline is languid, and teenage motherhood remains common in rural areas (Sample Vital Registration System 2008). Young motherhood is associated with several risks, such as higher maternal mortality rates, pregnancy complications and low birthweight babies. Patriarchal norms and structures make it difficult for women, particularly younger women, to refuse sex or insist on using birth control. They are thus exposed to premature pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. Maternal health and mortality are linked to women’s low household status and restricted mobility. Many women are denied the freedom to seek help at a hospital or health centre because their husbands or husband’s family make the decisions about their health care. Despite an increase in health facilities nationally, 85 per cent of deliveries still occur at home (UNICEF, State of the World’s Children, special edition, November 2009). Less than a quarter of births are attended by skilled health personnel (UNICEF and BBS, Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) 2009, Bangladesh 2010) (some women use skilled birth attendants at home). The coverage of antenatal care among pregnant women is low; only 21 per cent have four antenatal care visits, as recommended by WHO. (National Institute of Population Research and Training (NIPORT), Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey 2007, March 2009)

4.3 Violence against Women

Domestic violence is a pervasive problem in Bangladesh and presents a considerable threat to the security of girls and women. In a 2007 research study, more than half of ever-married women aged 15-49 reported that they had experienced some form of physical and sexual violence from their husbands. One quarter had experienced it in the past year (National Institute of Population Research and Training (NIPORT), Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey 2007, March 2009). Additionally, more than one-third of both men and women believe that men are justified in beating their wives in specific circumstances, such as arguing (ibid). The practice of dowry, lower age at marriage, and poverty are all associated with women’s higher likelihood of experiencing and condoning violence (World Bank, Whispers to Voices: Gender and Social Transformation in Bangladesh, 2007). Adolescent girls are often victims of ‘eve teasing’ or sexual harassment and are unprepared to face such a situation. In one of its most extreme forms, violence against women takes the form of acid attacks. Although legislation exists to prevent acid attacks, enforcement remains weak. Since May 1999, there have been almost 3000 reported cases of acid throwing, the vast majority against girls and women; however, many issues remain unreported. (Acid Survivors Foundation, Bangladesh) Sadly, suicide is also common among girls aged between 14 and 17. The Bangladesh Health and Injury Survey reported that more than 2200 children, including about 1500 girls, committed suicide in 2004

4.4 Education

Education is the key to addressing entrenched discrimination and violence against women. Research suggests that the presence of more educated children in the household and community is a restraint on violence against women (World Bank, Whispers to Voices: Gender and Social Transformation in Bangladesh, 2007). In addition, educated girls tend to delay marriage, are more likely to seek help during childbirth and are more likely to give birth to healthy babies who will Survive and grow into adulthood. Bangladesh has made immense gains in girls’ education, such that girls now outnumber boys in primary and secondary schooling (Government of Bangladesh, Millennium Development Goals, Bangladesh Progress Report, 2008). However, net attendance rates in secondary education are still meagre, at only 53 per cent for girls and 46 per cent for boys. (UNICEF and BBS, Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) 2009, Bangladesh 2010) There are only six girls for every ten boys in tertiary education, well below the Millennium Development Goal target of full equality (ibid). Older women typically received much less education than men their age. According to the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics, 63 per cent of men over 15 are literate, compared with 55 per cent of women (Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics, Report on Sample Vital Registration System, 2008).

4.5 Violence

A rapid assessment of 675 commercially sexually exploited children and adolescents conducted in 2008 found that the number of trafficked women and children rescued has increased (from 93 persons in 2007 to 190 in 2008), while rehabilitation efforts are also growing (from 104 in 2007 to 207 in 2008) (UNICEF and INCIDIN, Rapid Assessment: Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children and Adolescents in Bangladesh, 2008). This highlight is increasing social awareness of trafficking and sexual exploitation of women in Bangladesh. National Helpline Centre Success for Violence against Women and Children.

01. Tania gets Relief from Early Child Marriage.

June 20 2012

Tania is the daughter of Md. Talib Ali. She lives at Shagata upizila in Gaibandha. Tania is a student in class six. Due to poverty, her father arranged marriage on June 20 2012, at about 7:00 pm. A person from that area call to the National Helpline Center for Violence against Women and Children and sought help to protect child marriage. Within the short duration, the officer of the helpline centre informs the issue to Upazilla Women Affairs officer to investigate the raising issue and take the initiative in this regard. The helpline centre officer also announces the OC, Upazilla Nirbahi Officer, and Addl. Police Super about this. Add. Police Super took it seriously and assured them of taking the initiative immediately. After that, the Upazillla woman affairs officer, OC, UP Chairmen, and the school's Headmaster went to Tania’s house and took a form from Tania and her father. In this way, Tania gets relief from child marriage. (National Helpline Centre for Violence against Women and Children (2012).

02. Helpline Protected a Child's Life

July 19, 2012

Shafin is a primary school student in a class nursery in Dhaka. Shaft's grandfather called the National helpline centre on 19/07/2012 at 11.30 am and informed us that an unknown person threatened him to kill the child when they left the school. He wants to know what they should do at that moment. At first, the officer of the Helpline centre talks with the school's admin section and ensures his studentship. Then the helpline centre called the director and the principal of that institution. After being confirmed Helpline Centre finally called the Officer in charge (OC) of that Thana, and then OC sent the Police force to give security to Shafin. Thus because of calling the National Helpline centre, Shafin and his grandfather reached their home safely. (National Helpline Centre for Violence against Women and Children (2012).

03. Helpline Safe School Girl from Blackmailing

July 25, 2012

A schoolgirl, Tuli, went to the studio to take a photo with her three friends at Taragang Upazilla in Rangpur. The studio's proprietor threatens her that he will make this photo of pornography and spread this picture to the internet and mobile phone. Then the victim called the National Helpline Centre and complained about this issue. She also said that if we do not take any action within 24 hours, she will commit suicide. Then helpline centre contacts the concerned UNO, UWAO, OC etc. The UNO asked the OC to rescue that picture. Finally, OC went to that studio and invited the proprietor. He (the proprietor) begs pardon and promises he will never do it again, and he returns the complete soft and hard copies of the picture. Police took another official action. (National Helpline Centre for Violence against Women and Children (2012).

04. A Ten Years Old Girl Named Shopna was rescued

September 26, 2012

One person from “Nagorik Uddyok”, a non-government organization, informed National Helpline Centre that a few days ago, a person took a loan with interest from a landlord. Shopna’s father failed to return that money to the landlord, so he abducted Shopna (10 years old) and confined her for the last 16 days. That was against the law of child rights. Shopna’s father prayed for help at the helpline centre. After hearing the description, the officer of the helpline centre discussed this matter with the police officer of Savar. Then the OC sent the police force and rescued Shopna. Thus Shopna was rescued with the help of the national helpline centre. (National Helpline Centre for Violence against Women and Children (2012).

05. Rescued Porn Pictures

September 30 2012

A girl named Chadni lives in Karimganj Upazilla under Kishorgonj District. A boy used to tease her and one day abducted her and took some nude pictures. After that, he threatens her that if she does not marry him, he will spread all the images on the internet. On September 30, 2012, Chadni’s brother informed this incident to the helpline centre. After getting the news, the officer of the helpline centre verified the information and took the initiative to save Chandni. At first, the helpline centre officer informed the UWAO and requested she take the industry. As it was a sensitive issue officer also announced it to UNO, the Chairman of that village. They contact with OC of Karimgonj Police station. After that, he sent SI to the spot. On September 30, 2012, at 10:30 PM, the Chairman informed that they got the pictures of Chadni and destroyed them. They also ensured that these pictures would not be posted on the Internet. On October 01, 2012, UWAO said they took the necessary steps and said that now chadni is safe. (National Helpline Centre for Violence against Women and Children (2012).

06. Prevent the Second Marriage of the Husband

October 10 2012

On 10/10/2012 neighbour of the victim from Nilfamari, Joldhaka Thana, informed National Helpline Centre that a man named Mozibul would get married without his first wife's permission. His wife’s name is Sultana. She belongs to a Hindu Family. After marriage, she changed her religion. Now Mozibul will bring another wife without his first wife’s consent. After getting this information, the officer of the Helpline centre informed UWAO, UNO, and OC. They verify the news and make sure that they will take proper initiatives. On October 11, 2012, the Chairman of that village said they stopped the marriage and sent his first wife back home. (National Helpline Centre for Violence against Women and Children (2012).

07. Justice to Parveen

October 14 2012

Perveen is a day laborer. She is 30 years old. She discussed her problem with the officer of the helpline centre over the phone on October 14. She lives in Narayangonj, Thana Rupgonj. Her neighbour is named Monir (35 years old). They both wanted to cook in the same kitchen, so they were engaged in a quarrel. At one stage Monir beaten Parveen. The officer of the helpline centre discussed this matter with Ward Counselor and requested to take proper initiatives. On 16th October Ward Counselor said to the helpline centre that the news was authentic. Then they called for a Salish. Parveen got justice by in Salish. Then 21st October, Parveen informed the helpline centre that she got justice and thanked the helpline centre. (National Helpline Centre for Violence against Women and Children (2012).

08. Dulali Gets Relief from Early Child Carriage

November 13, 2012

On 12/11/2012, Mahbubur Rahman from Kurigram (Thana- Roumari) called the Helpline centre and gave information about early marriage. Bride – Dulali, Age-11, Thana- Roumari, Dis- Kurigram. She is studying in class 5, and her wedding date is November 16 2012. After getting the news officer of the helpline centre informed UNO, UWAO, the social service officer and officer in charge of the police station, the chairman and the ward Member. They investigated the news and ensured to help to prevent this. On that day, UWAO informed that they stopped that wedding successfully. (National Helpline Centre for Violence against Women and Children (2012).

09. Helpline Rescue a Housewife

November 22, 2012

The victim’s mother called the National Helpline Centre and complained that her daughter Shapla was physically tortured by her husband in Dhaka. She informs that husband of her daughter confined her in a room. Then the officer of the National Helpline centre contacted OC with concern, and he told OC of the exact police station immediately. OC of that police station sent the police force, and they rescued her. They also ensured getting the proper legal support. Thus Helpline saved women. (National Helpline Centre for Violence against Women and Children (2012).

10. Sabina Akter Gets Relief from Early Child Marriage.

December 20 2012

Sabina Akter is lives in Muradnogor, Comilla. Sabina is a student in class seven. Her father arranged marriage for her on December 21 2012. Neighbours of her village call the National Helpline Centre for Violence against Women and Children and seek help to stop child marriage. Within a short duration, the officer of the helpline centre informs the issue to Upazilla Women Affairs officer to investigate the matter and take the initiative in this regard. The helpline centre officer also told the Officer in charge and Chairman to take the necessary enterprise. The officer of the helpline centre informed the Upazilla Women Affairs officer and requested her to take it seriously. After that Upazillla women's affairs officer went to Sabina’s house and took a sign in a statement from Sabina and her father; in this way, Sabina gets relief from early child marriage. (National Helpline Centre for Violence against Women and Children (2012).

11. Prevent the Second Marriage of the Father

January 14 2013

Fatema Yasmin Bristy lives in Chandpur, Thana- Shah rasti, called National Helpline Centre and informed her that her father would get married without her mother’s consent. The officer of a helpline centre reported this news to Upazilla Women Affairs Officer over the phone. Then she ensured she would take the necessary action to stop the marriage. UWAO said they stopped Bristy’s father’s second wedding on the same day. (National Helpline Centre for Violence against Women and Children (2013).

12. Helpline Safe Housewife

April 02 2013

John's father called the National Helpline Centre and complained that her daughter's husband physically tortured his daughter at Nangolkot Upazila in Comilla. He informs that his son-in-law confined her after torturing them. Then the National Helpline Centre officer contacted OC with concern, and he sent the police force to rescue the victim. Finally, the police took her to Comilla Hospital and ensured proper legal support. Thus Helpline Centre saved a housewife.

13. Shanaz Parvin was protected from Early Marriage and Suicide

May 14, 2013

On 14/05/2013, Shahnaz Parveen from Potuakhali (sub-dis-Golachipa) called the national helpline centre and said that her family had fixed her wedding, and she was not ready for that and confined her in a room. Shahnaz also said that she would commit suicide if this marriage were held. She is studying in class 7. She is 13 years old. After getting the news officer of the helpline centre informed this to the one-stop crisis cell in Potuakhali and Upazilla Women Affairs Officer. They went to the victim’s house, rescued her, and took a sign in a statement from her parents.

14. Helpline Centre Rescued Aleya

August 29 2013

Ismat Ara Perveen is a student at the college of Pabna. She was fall in love with a deceiver and married him. After six months, she found the reality of that man and gave him a divorce. She left that house and started to live in her father’s house. She continues her study again. On August 29, she was going for her final year viva, and at that time, her husband and some other people tried to abduct her but failed because she was inside the college. Aleya informed her aunt. Her aunt told the National Helpline Centre of this and requested to rescue Aleya. After that, this news was announced to OC, ASP, and SP. In the afternoon, ASP informed that they rescued Aleya and arrested her Husband. Aleya’s aunt was grateful to the Helpline Centre. (National Helpline Centre for Violence against Women and Children (2013). Multisectoral Programme on Violence Against Women. Retrieved from National Helpline Centre for Violence against Women and Children

15. Rescued a Woman who was confined for Dowry

October 24, 2013

Rupom from Chuadanga informed the helpline centre that her in-laws tortured her relative because of dowry. Her name is Niva. Her father wanted her daughter back and went to that house to bring her daughter. But he was beaten, and they confined his daughter. Her father wanted help from the national helpline centre. Then the helpline centre officer contacted the District Women Affairs Officer and OC of that police station. Then Victim’s father went to her daughter’s in-law’s house and rescued her with the help of the ward commissioner. The helpline centre contacted the victim’s family again and requested that they get the helpline centre if they needed any support regarding this issue. (National Helpline Centre for Violence against Women and Children (2013). Multisectoral Programme on Violence Against Women. Retrieved from National Helpline Centre for Violence against Women and Children

16. Khadiza Got Rid of Child Marriage

December 09, 2013

An informer called to National helpline centre and informed that child marriage would be held on December 09, 2013, at 4.00 pm. The victim’s name is Khadija. Her address is Upazillla: Kalapara. District: Barisal. Knowing the news officer of the National Helpline Centre called the local Upazilla Women's affairs officer, Officer in charge (OC) and Local UP Chairman. They went there within a short time & stopped child marriage. The parents of Khadija also provided written commitments that they would make wedding arrangements for their daughter when her age is 18 or more. Thus Khadija got rid of child marriage. (National Helpline Centre for Violence against Women and Children (2013). ((National Helpline Centre for Violence against Women and Children, n.d.)

17. Research Methodology

For conducting the research, we will use Purposive sampling. We will complete the study in parts. The first part of the research will be achieved through interviews with (Family persons, victims, Senior citizens, Students, and Teachers). These interviews will provide a clear understanding of the current situation of Child Marriage, and we will all know why these problems occur. Discussions will not contain only limited questions. ((ITECH2305 Analysing sthe Modern (2020- 20) Assignment 2, n.d.) A questionnaire survey will be conducted with the participation of Girls' Schools/Colleges. This survey will also be undertaken with those part of Victims who is a student. This survey will give us data about the publicity and current situation of Child Marriage.

6. Time Line
Sl	Activities	Oct 04-20	Oct 21-31	Nov 01-15	Nov 16-30	Dec 01-18	Dec 19-31
1	Interview and survey ( Family person, victim, Senior citizen, Students, Teacher)
2	Preparing the coding sheets
3	Sorting, synthesizing and theorizing the data
4	Data Analysis
5	Writing the first draft
6	Revision
7	Submission and Defense

7. Reference

Age Group. (n.d.). Assignment Point. Retrieved November 25, 2022, from https://assignmentpoint.com/age-group/ Economic shocks and the age of marriage in sub-Saharan Africa and India. (n.d.). Retrieved November 25, 2022, from https://voxdev.org/topic/institutions-political-economy/economic-shocks-and-age-marriage-sub-saharan- africa-and-india ITECH2305 Analysing the Modern (2020-20) Assignment 2. (n.d.). Retrieved November James, M. (n.d.). The issues. Maternity Worldwide. Retrieved November 25, 2022, from https://www.maternityworldwide.org/the-issues/ National Helpline Centre for Violence against Women and Children. (n.d.). Retrieved November 25, 2022, from https://nhc.gov.bd/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=24 Social Welfare Projects. (n.d.). Dream71 Bangladesh Ltd. Retrieved November 25, 2022, from https://dream71.com/social-welfare-projects/ Srivastava, S., Chauhan, S., Patel, R., Marbaniang, S. P., Kumar, P., Paul, R., & Dhillon, P. (2021). Banned by the law, practised by the society: The study of factors associated with dowry payments among adolescent girls in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, India. PLOS ONE, 16(10), e0258656. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.025865

Learning and Outcome (Self-Reflection)

How to write a research paper and finish a lengthy research proposal in a hurry are two skills I have picked up. Through this experience, I have gained knowledge in qualitative and quantitative research techniques and mixed-methods studies. Through participating in this program, I was able to hone my abilities as a leader. As my first college-level group project, it helped me become more comfortable contributing to a team.