Marriage Of Girls Research Articles

Kajian Kritis Tradisi Nyongkolan dalam Perkawinan Adat Lombok Perspektif Urf

The practice of Nyongkolan in traditional marriages of Lombok people has been in the spotlight because it causes traffic jams, drinking alcohol, and causes brawls. This study aims to examine the current Nyongkolan tradition and its suitability with Sasak characteristics and Islamic teachings from the perspective of 'Urf. The research method uses qualitative research with data collection through observation and documentation. The data analysis method uses Miles and Huberman data analysis through the stages of data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. The results showed that basically in the view of 'Urf the implementation of Nyongkolan is allowed as long as it does not conflict with Islamic law. In the beginning, the Nyongkolan tradition was carried out to take the newlyweds to the female family's house and announce the girl's marriage in the hope that no one would disturb the two brides because they had entered into a legal marriage. The practice of Nyongkolan becomes haram when it is accompanied by erotic dancing, drinking alcohol, and brawls because it is contrary to Islamic teachings.

Gender Inequality and Violence Against Women

This article provides information on gender inequality, discrimination against women, violence against them, the consequences of early marriage of girls and the role of women in today's society, and provides examples of women working in high positions. The formation of a universal worldview in humans is a complex, non-hereditary process, and the inferiority of women compared to men causes many problems. It is very important for everyone to consider this point of view.

Effectiveness of a community-based intervention in changing knowledge of and attitudes towards early marriage in The Gambia.

A study was conducted to assess the effects of a multi-component community-based project intervention on changing knowledge of, and attitudes towards early marriage for girls in The Gambia. The study involved a cross-sectional household survey of 201 male and female parents and 296 adolescent boys and girls aged 10-19. It also included two community-based focus group discussions and six key informant interviews. The study compared the project baseline and midline data in the analysis of the survey data. The findings show a significant increase from a baseline of (44.8%) to (70.7%) at midline among the parents who have the view that the girl needs to come of age (18 years) before going into marriage. At both baseline and midline, there is a fear that girls may break their virginity by indulging in premarital sex if they do not marry early. However, there was a significant decrease from (51.7%) at baseline to (10%) (p-value <0.001) in the proportion of parents who think girls must marry early to avoid premarital sex. The findings show between (2%) and (7%) increase from baseline to midline on the view among adolescent boys and girls that girls have the right to choose who to marry. Findings from the focus group discussions and key informant interviews directly linked the changes in knowledge of attitudes towards early marriage among parents and adolescents to the project intervention.

Education of Syrian Immigrants in Türkiye, Jordan, and Lebanon

The Syrian civil war, which started in 2011, caused the migration of more than 6 million Syrians, and this wave of migration affected the region in many ways. Neighboring countries with the highest number of Syrian refugees, especially Türkiye, Lebanon, and Jordan, were greatly affected politically, socially, and economically by this process. War negatively affects the lives of children, one of the most vulnerable groups in society, in many ways. One of these negative effects is undoubtedly the interruption of their education, an important element in shaping their entire lives. This study conducted by document scanning method, has dealt with the access of Syrian children to education in the countries which they migrated to in the context of policies and practices. The importance of non-formal education activities in ensuring access to education for hundreds of thousands of out-of-school children in all three countries was discussed. Language training, catch-up training and vocational training programs should be organized within the scope of non-formal education to meet the educational needs of Syrian children who are out of school due to curriculum and language differences, inadequacy of classrooms, poverty and resulting child labor and early marriage of girls.

Konsep wali nikah dalam perspektif ulama klasik dan modern

This paper explores the concept of marriage guardian in Islamic jurisprudence by examining its interpretation and application by scholars from classical schools such as Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi'i and Hanbali, and comparing it with the views of contemporary scholars. The role of the marriage guardian is very important in the Islamic marriage contract, especially as it usually involves a male guardian consenting to a girl's marriage. The study also examines the perspectives of modern scholars who consider the evolving context of society, gender equality and women's autonomy. By comparing classical and modern interpretations, this study highlights the dynamic nature of Islamic legal thought as well as the ongoing discourse regarding the balance between traditional values and modern principles of individual rights and freedoms. The analysis aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the role of marriage guardians, its historical roots and its relevance in today's socio-legal landscape.

Impact of Kanyashree and Sabooj Sathi Schemes on the Development of Rural Areas in Southern Part of West Bengal, Eastern India

Kanyashree and Sabooj Sathi schemes are two noteworthy welfare schemes sponsored by the West Bengal government to develop the rural areas in the state. Kanyashree scheme was launched to check the early marriage of girls whereas the Sabooj Sathi scheme was aimed at empowering the students among the weaker sections of society. The present paper attempts to study the scenario of Kanyashree and Sabooj Sathi schemes, and their role in the development of rural areas in the southern parts of West Bengal in eastern India. The entire work is based on primary data and samples have been selected from three districts, i.e. Purba Medinipur, Paschim Medinipur, and Howrah. Ten sample villages were selected among the three districts and 150 samples were chosen through the purposive sampling method. Average and percentage methods and applied cartographic techniques have been considered for analysis and drawing inferences. Kanyashree remarkably controls the early marriage of girls, reduces the different social barriers that promote the marriage of teenage girls, and broadens the scope of their education. The funds generated for Kanyashree scheme are directly transferred to the beneficiaries’ accounts to meet their private coaching fees, and purchase of educational equipment. Bicycles are provided to the beneficiaries of the Sabooj Sathi scheme to make commuting to school, private coaching centres and playgrounds easy. Family members of the beneficiaries are also using bicycles to reach various places, thereby availing the scope of using it for non-academic purposes associated with numerous important domestic matters. The study found that both the schemes, i.e. Kanyashree and Sabooj Sathi contribute to empowering girl students in the study area.

A glimpse into the multifaceted life of Pandit Kabiraj Dr. Ananta Tripathy Sharma

Abstract The life and contributions of Pandit Kabiraj Dr. Ananta Tripathy Sharma, a luminary in the field of Ayurveda, unfold in a multifaceted narrative that encompasses his ancestral roots, educational journey, professional achievements, political endeavors, and enduring legacy. Born on February 10, 1905, in Jagannathapur Sasana, Odisha, Pandit Kabiraj Dr. Ananta Tripathy Sharma’s family lineage, deeply entrenched in Ayurvedic traditions, guided him toward a career dedicated to ancient healing art. In his early years, influenced by his grandfather, Pandit Kabiraj Dr. Ananta Tripathy Sharma’s commitment to Ayurveda became the cornerstone of his professional journey. His academic pursuits began in Sanskrit and culminated in the prestigious “Sahitya Shiromani” degree in 1925. However, it was his later immersion in Ayurveda that defined the trajectory of his life. Beyond academic achievements, Pandit Kabiraj Dr. Ananta Tripathy Sharma ventured into social reform, notably challenging the prevalent practice of child marriage. His collaboration with like-minded individuals led to the formation of the Sanskaraka group, advocating against early marriage for girls. Post-independence, their efforts bore fruit, contributing to the repeal of the Sarada Act 1929. His commitment to making Ayurveda accessible led to the establishment of dispensaries in different parts of Odisha and the expansion of the “Bheshaja Mandir,” a pharmacy established by him. His foray into politics, driven by a commitment to Ayurveda, saw him elected as a Member of the Legislative Assembly and later as a Member of Parliament, where he championed the cause of Ayurveda at both state and national levels. A significant chapter in his legacy unfolded with the establishment of the Kaviraj Ananta Tripathy Sharma Ayurveda College and Hospital in Brahmapur. Driven by his unwavering commitment, he overcame challenges to realize his vision and the institution stands as a living tribute to his dedication to Ayurveda. His literary pursuits included impactful books in both Sanskrit and Odia, reflecting his versatile talents. Awards and distinctions adorned his illustrious career, recognizing his expertise in Ayurveda and literature. His principles, deeply rooted in Dharma, guided his approach to healing, emphasizing the importance of treating rich and poor patients alike. In his later years, despite his poor vision, Pandit Kabiraj Dr. Ananta Tripathy Sharma persisted in translating Ayurvedic texts for the benefit of future generations.

The Practice of Early Marriage of Girls and Its Effects: A Study Conducted in the Nayagarh District of Odisha

Early marriage has many problems for girls in the world in general and in developing countries in particular. It results in the health, and socio-economic aspects of girls; mistreatment, marginalization and denying basic human rights of girls. Early marriage also limits many girls’ mobility, self-esteem, ability to seek profitable employment, and household decision-making power, and increases their vulnerability to violence. Each of these factors has a potent effect on a girls’ ability to access healthcare, compromising not only her health but that of her children, and not being competent in economic and social affairs. This paper aims to examine and investigate the prevalence of early marriage in the study area (Nayagarh District, Odisha); identify the causal factors of early marriage in the study area, and examine its associated problems that its impact on the health and socio-economic condition of girls. In Nayagarh district, children marry early due to different reasons. Among the identified factors some are as a matter of their tribal tradition, fear of premarital sex and pregnancy, parents’ interest in following the consent of relatives, afraid of losing a financially sound bridegroom etc. The low economic status of parents and lack of knowledge are the main causal factors of early marriage in the area. The main consequences of early marriage identified in the study area are girls’ college dropout, marriage instability, early pregnancy, maternal mortality, and increased number of children.

Local Crime and Early Marriage: Evidence from India

This paper analyses whether living in a locality with high crime against women affects the probability of early marriage—that is, marriage before the legal age of marriage of girls. Using a nationally representative longitudinal data set and tackling the potential endogeneity of local crime rates, we find that perceived crime against women in the locality significantly increases the likelihood of early marriage of girls, while there is no such effect on boys of comparable age group. We also find no such effect of gender-neutral crimes (such as theft and robbery) on the likelihood of early marriage of girls. Moreover, we find that the relationship holds only in conservative households where the purdah system is practised, and also in the northern region of India, where patriarchal culture and gender norms are stronger than in the southern region. A sensitivity analysis assessing the potential impact of unobservable confounders suggests that our estimates are unlikely to be affected by omitted variable bias.

Socio-ecological factors of girl child marriage: a meta-synthesis of qualitative research

BackgroundChild marriage of girls is one example of human rights violations, and is increasingly recognized as a key obstacle to global public health. Given the importance of a comprehensive understanding of the motivations for child marriage, this study aimed to identify socio-ecological factors contributing to gills child marriage.MethodsA comprehensive search was conducted of all English-language studies measuring causes of child marriage between 2000 and October 2022 in the Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, PsycInfo, ProQuest, Poplin and Google Scholar databases. Girl child marriage is defined as a marriage under the age of 18. In this study, the CASP evaluation checklist was used to collect data. Two independent reviewers reviewed all articles.ResultsA total of 34 eligible qualitative articles were included. The most salient causes of child marriage among girls include low skills and knowledge, internal and external beliefs and motivations, and physical advantages at the individual level. Family characteristics and structure contribute to child marriage at the interpersonal level, while environmental and economic factors play a role at the community level. Social factors and cultural norms, as well as the shortcomings and weaknesses of legislation, are also contributing factors at the society level.ConclusionThe results showed that cultural beliefs supporting gender inequality and economic status were the most important causes of child marriage. These results can help policymakers and decision-makers implement strategies to reduce gender inequality to prevent child marriage.

Evaluation of Early Marriage Prevention in Adolescent Children: A Descriptive Qualitative Study of the Implementation of Maturing Marital Age in Kotabaru, Indonesia

Introduction: Early marriage of girls increases the risk of death and morbidity in mothers and babies, including stunting. Several policies and programs to mature or increase the age of marriage have been implemented to eliminate this practice, but early marriages are still found. Purpose: This research examines in depth the evaluation of the implementation of the program for maturation and increasing the age of marriage for adolescent children. So, it can be identified the factors that cause teenage marriage to still be high. Method: A qualitative descriptive method was used as a research design and recruited six participants to study the maturation program and increasing the age of marriage as the main participants and triangulation participants. Participants triangulate the validity and reliability of information. Data or information collection uses interviews which are reported in the form of narrative descriptions and analyzed using an interactive analysis model for coding. Results: We found 3 research results on the reasons why there are still early marriages among adolescent children: (1) various limitations in the transformation of maturation programs and increasing the age of marriage; (1) the implementation of the program to increase the marriage age according to students has not met expectations; and (3) adolescent children who marry early are still found after graduating from school. Conclusion: The experience of adolescent children who took part in the maturation program and increasing the age of marriage felt that it did not meet expectations. Adolescent children still marry early after graduating from high school. This study indicates the need for adolescent children to receive early marriage education and its impact needs to be evaluated and improved from the input, process, and output aspects of implementing the maturation program and increasing the age of marriage so that it is attractive and meets the expectations of adolescent children.

Adolescent marriage a violation of sexual and reproductive health rights: Trend, spatial variation and covariate analysis from national family health survey

IntroductionTen-to-Nineteen-year adolescent period is a very sensitive time for both boys and girls. Especially adolescent girls suffer more due to early marriage and its consequences of unintended pregnancy, unsafe abortion, high risk for sexually transmitted disease etc. ObjectiveThis study tried to analyse trend and spatial variation of adolescent girls' marriage practice in India. Further, this study is also tried to identify major socio-economic factors responsible for adolescent girl's marriage. MethodsPresent study utilized different rounds of National Family Health Survey (NFHS) data. Trend analysis carried out with the help of 3rd, 4th and 5th round of NFHS data. Bivariate distribution and logistic regression are used for identifying determining factors for adolescent girls’ marriage. ResultsTrend analysis result reveals the declining trend of early adolescent girls' marriage in India. However, the data reveals early girl's marriage practice is still very high. This practice is more in the states of Tripura (31%) followed by West Bengal (28%). Place of residence, wealth status, education status and mass media exposure are the main determining factors in early marriage. ConclusionMost of the states in Eastern and North-Eastern states are having high prevalence of adolescent marriage. Thus, there is an urgent need to focus on these states along with addressing socio-economic disparities. Further, there is a need of effective interventions of girl specific programmes like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Balika Samridhi yojana etc. working for empowerment and wellbeing of adolescent girls.

Prevalence of girl and boy child marriage across states and Union Territories in India, 1993–2021: a repeated cross-sectional study

India's success in eliminating child marriage is crucial to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goal target 5.3. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of child marriage in girls and boys in India and describe its change across 36 states and Union Territories between 1993 and 2021. For this cross-sectional study, data from five National Family Health Surveys from 1993, 1999, 2006, 2016, and 2021 were used. The study included 310 721 women aged 20-24 years between 1993 and 2021 and 43 436 men aged 20-24 years between 2006 and 2021. Child marriage was defined as marriage in individuals younger than 18 years for men and women. We calculated the annual change in prevalence during the study period for states and Union Territories and estimated the population headcount of child brides and grooms. Child marriage declined during 1993 to 2021. The all-India prevalence of child marriage in girls declined from 49·4% (95% CI 48·1-50·8) in 1993 to 22·3% (21·9-22·7) in 2021. Child marriage in boys declined from 7·1% (6·9-30·8) in 2006 to 2·2% (1·8-2·7) in 2021. The largest decreases in child marriage occurred between 2006 and 2016. Between 2016 and 2021, a few states and Union Territories saw an increase in prevalence of child marriage in girls (n=6) and boys (n=8) despite declines in the all-India prevalence. In 2021, 13 464 450 women aged 20-24 years and 1 454 894 men aged 20-24 years were estimated to be married as children. One in five girls and nearly one in six boys are still married below the legal age of marriage in India. There remains an urgent need for strengthened national and state-level policy to eliminate child marriage by 2030. Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Is parental engagement associated with subsequent delayed marriage and marital choices of adolescent girls? Evidence from the Understanding the Lives of Adolescents and Young Adults (UDAYA) survey in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, India

ObjectiveThis study examines the association between parental engagement and subsequent delayed marriage of adolescent girls and, secondarily, to assess whether parental engagement is positively associated with girls’ involvement in marital decision-making regarding husband selection. MethodsThe study used longitudinal survey data from the Understanding the Lives of Adolescents and Young Adults (UDAYA) in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, India. We analysed 6168 unmarried adolescent girls aged 15–19 years at wave 1 (2015–16) who were interviewed in wave 2 (2018–19). Our outcomes were delayed marriage of girls (unmarried vs. married at 20–22 vs. married at 18–19 vs. married at <18) and, among those married at <18 years, girls’ involvement in husband selection (alone vs. with parents vs. not involved). Parental discussion around school performance, friendships, menstruation, pregnancy, free time, and personal issues were the exposure variables. We applied unadjusted and adjusted multinomial regression models to assess associations between our exposure variables and each outcome variable. ResultsFrom wave 1 to wave 2, 1551 girls (31.2%) married; 567 girls (12.5%) married as minors (<18 years). We found that parental discussion around school performance (relative risk ratio [RRR]: 1.33), friendship (RRR: 1.37) and personal matters (RRR: 1.29) were positively associated with remaining unmarried relative to early marriage of girls. However, discussion with parents about menstruation was negatively associated with marriage at 20–22 (RRR: 0.67) and remaining unmarried (RRR: 0.80), compared to early marriage. Discussing school performance was negatively associated with marriage at 18–19 (RRR: 0.62) and at 20–22 (RRR: 0.50), relative to early marriage. Discussing personal issues with parents was positively associated with joint parent-girl decision-making regarding husband selection, relative to parents alone selecting the husband (RRR: 1.43). ConclusionsParental engagement on school performance, friendship, and personal issues in early adolescence may help delay marriage and support marital choice for girls in India.

Prevalence of Depression among Married Women in a Rural Area of North Kerala: A Cross-sectional Study.

Depression is a common illness, it being the fourth-leading cause of disability in the world. The global lifetime prevalence falls between 8% and 12%, with female preponderance. A cross-sectional study was designed to assess the burden of depression among married women in a rural setting in North Kerala and identify its sociodemographic risk factors. The sample size was calculated to be 453 (prevalence = 24.9%; error = 20%; design-effect = 1.5). Systematic random sampling was used to select the participants from the eligible couple register. They were interviewed using MINI and Montgomery-Ashberg Depression Rating Scales. Descriptive analysis showed that 24.2% was suffering from current depression, mostly mild and none severe. Two percent reported past depression and 5.4% experienced spousal violence. Poor family support, experience of domestic violence, morbidity, and older spouses were found to be significant risk factors. The provision of mental health services by trained personnel and strict vigilance against the marriage of girls below the legal age and domestic violence are need of the hour.

Assessing sensitivity to climate-related disasters in the context of a developing country: Evidence from the coastal region of Bangladesh

Climate-related disasters have become a major threat to human civilization. Since many climatic hazards cannot be prevented, recognizing the underlying factors that render societies more vulnerable might facilitate pragmatic measures for minimizing the likelihood of disasters. With this impulse, the current study developed an innovative framework for appraising various societal attributes, the interplay of which potentially adds to the vulnerabilities of the coastal region of Bangladesh. In our study, we harnessed the notion of sensitivity used in disaster discourse and proposed five major domains of sensitivity namely demographic setback, inadequacy of basic resources, economic marginality, socio-cultural impediments and fragility of policy and governance, based on the conceptual adaptation of the prior social vulnerability frameworks. A total of thirty-five context-specific variables were consolidated under these five domains. To determine the weights of the variables, the popular Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) technique was applied. Respective variables were summed up with appropriate weights to generate the five subindices which were eventually integrated using the additive (averaging) approach to develop a composite sensitivity index for the nineteen coastal districts. The outcomes of the sensitivity assessment were spatially mapped. Coxsbazar (0.60), Pirojpur (0.39) Bagerhat (0.38), Shariatpur (0.37), Patuakhali (0.34), and Chandpur (0.33) were the most sensitive districts, which is attributable to diverse key factors. Our study thus delineates the areas that require prioritized actions for reducing vulnerability and offers an opportunity to improve the prevailing interventions aimed at Disaster Risk Reduction across the coastal region of Bangladesh. Moreover, the integration of factors like child labor, violence against women, early marriage of girls, corruption, and crime that have not been previously considered, but often act as factors shaping increased vulnerability render the current framework a conceptual advancement for understanding sensitivity to climate-related disasters in other developing countries of the world.

Child Marriage in India: A Sociological Review

This article explores child marriage in India as a cultural tradition that exists in modern society. Both boys and girls are affected by child marriage, which takes away their childhood. Relationships involving a child under the age of eighteen occur worldwide, although, for the most part, they are found in South Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Early relationships not only force young girls to accept their domestic and intimate jobs during adolescence but also set them up where they cannot make decisions about their sexual and regenerative well-being. Child marriage is a human violation of fundamental freedom, directly affecting girls’ schooling, well-being, and mental prosperity and severely affects their future generations’ soundness. This practice, driven by deprivation, is encouraged to guarantee the girl child’s monetary fortunes and support social ties. One way to reduce the consequences of child marriage and health is to allow girls to attend school. Because of subjugation, the girl’s job inside and outside the family still appears to be an essential justification for continuing the practice of teenage marriage. The process of socialisation of youth within the family usually addresses single-direction correspondence. Due to a human-controlled society, even mothers support fathers and older people in implementing the philosophy of early marriage for girls. Given such an eclectic social design, girls/children find it difficult to hand over insights into current respects and practices learned in schools to their unskilled parents. This paper aims to study the status of girls/women, which goes back in history and traces it to child marriage in present. Secondly, to look at the laws and policies and their methods of eradicating them. Thirdly, to examine the problems faced by children due to child marriage.

Improving Girls' Rights in Early Marriage in the Indonesian Legal System

Indonesia ranks 10th in the world of child marriage and second in Southeast Asia. The Indonesian government anticipated this by requiring the age of marriage to be 19 for girls, but in the reality, this regulation has not been effective in preventing it, as marriage of girls under 19 in Indonesia is a social problem, despite the detriment of girls. This is the reality, so it is necessary to conduct comprehensive research aimed at finding solutions to the problem of girl-child marriage. The rights of girls must be protected, especially the rights in marriage. This research is a type of legal sociology with an empirical approach. Looking for data on the fact that girls are getting married. The conceptual approach is based on the doctrine of the issue of girl-child marriage, and the normative approach is the study of norms for the protection of girls. Technical analysis is qualitative descriptive. The results showed that poverty, promiscuity, and cultural factors were the causes, as well as legal factors that were unable to prevent it due to the incompatibility of Article 7 paragraph (1) with paragraph (2) of the Indonesian Marriage Law, thus building a new concept of "Peace in the Protection of Women's Rights" as a new concept of thinking to overcome girl child marriage. The government should set up a multisectoral Independent Institute for the Prevention and Protection of Women's Rights, as an alternative to address the problem of underage girl marriage in Indonesia, to create a quality generation of the nation.

Declaring Dharma Yudhdham: Conservative Reaction Against the Child Marriage Restraint Act in Colonial Andhra, 1928–1938

Hindu women’s marriage reform remained a contentious issue in colonial Andhra. The Child Marriage Restraint Act of 1929, popularly known as the Sarda Act, originally fixed the minimum age of marriage of girls and boys at 14 and 18 years, respectively, and thus restrained child marriages. Conservative sections of Andhra society bitterly opposed the Sarda Act. They declared a dharma yudhdham (holy war defending the Hindu religion) on the social reformers, the Congress nationalists and the British government for trying to intrude into the sacred domain of the Hindu family. As they could not stop the Act from being made, they defeated it by making use of the various loopholes present in it. Conservative men mobilised a section of women who took part in the anti-Sarda campaign and agitation. This article is based on a variety of primary sources, especially the woefully neglected conservative journals such as Abhinava Saraswati and Swadharma Prakashini, which undertook a rigorous campaign against the Sarda Act. Pro-reform women’s monthlies such as the Grihalakshmi and newspapers like the Andhra Patrika and Golakonda Patrika, and progressive women’s writings published in contemporary women’s journals are also used.

Patterns in age at first marriage and its determinants in India: A historical perspective of last 30 years (1992–2021)

Reproductive health and well-being of a woman are associated with factors such as menarche, first marriage, first sex, first birth, and menopause. The beginning of these events also brings about significant changes in women's lives. Despite marrying early being acknowledged as a detrimental and discriminatory socio-cultural global practice, a huge proportion of girls are being married at an early age, often detrimental to maternal and child health. Adding to the current national debate for the revision of the minimum age at marriage for girls from 18 to 21 years it becomes important to understand the past scenario and current situation of age at marriage in India. In this study, first five rounds of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) have been used as a data source. Cox Proportional Hazard Model, Multiple Classification Analysis (MCA), Kaplan Meier Curve, Life table survival analysis, hierarchical clustered heat map, Multivariate Decomposition Analysis (MDA), and geospatial mapping were used to fulfill the objective of the study. The results showed that almost 65.9% of women got married before reaching the age of 18 years in the year 1992–93 which reduced to 23.2% among women aged 20–24 years in 2019–21. Region, respondent’s level of education, caste, religion, wealth, and mass media exposure were significantly associated with the age at first marriage. The hazard of age at marriage declined significantly with higher educational attainment [higher education- AHR:0.37; CI:0.36 to 0.37], improving household wealth [richest wealth- AHR:0.91; CI:0.90 to 0.91], and mass media exposure [AHR:0.96; CI:0.95 to 0.96]. Since, the age at marriage has a substantial impact on fertility pattern and has a strong association with maternal & child health, policies regarding improving the age at marriage and better enforcement of the concerned laws are required to meet the SDG targets.