Understanding Child Marriages In Malaysia

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Child marriages are not new to Malaysia but recently, more awareness is given to the topic especially after the viral news of a 41-year old man marrying an 11-year old girl. But, there is more to child marriages and during our Hang Out Dome Cafe Malaysia with Her World (Ep. 3) we take on the topic and shed more light on child marriages. We thank our special guests child activist, Dr Hartini Zainuddin, OrphanCare representative, Sheerin Khan, child psychologist, Katyana Azman and Cleo Malaysia editor, Lina Esa for sharing your thoughts and comments with us.

5 Key Factors You Should Know About Child Marriages: Parents should always listen and talk to your children openly about sex and marriage. Sex education is important to ensure teens are aware of the consequences of having sex. Express to them that there are more options available than marriage if she becomes pregnant. Identify what are the issues your child may not be aware about and have an open discussion about these topics. Child marriages is not only about an adult man marrying a young girl. Child marriage is more common between teens marrying teens. Do place upon your child the shame and try to solve teen pregnancy with marriage. Kids are still not mentally prepared to handle the responsibility of marriage. Visit a specialist or talk to a counselor if you or your child needs help. Do not just leave questions unanswered and always seek for help. Share these contact details with your children, so they can get the right information: Federation of Reproductive Health Associations, Malaysia (FRHAM) at 03-56337514 / 7516 / 7528 and frham.org.my Toll-free Talian Nur at 15999 or Childline Malaysia at 03-55692755 and [email protected] Social Welfare Department Malaysia at jkm.gov.my/jkm/index.php PDRM Malaysia at rmp.gov.my to locate nearest police station with D11 (Sexual, Women, and Child Investigations) Unit for advice and filing a report All Women’s Action Society (AWAM) for counselling on sexual harassment and rape at [email protected], [email protected], 03-78770224 or 03-78774221 Women’s Aid Organisation (WAO) for counselling and shelter at 03-79563488 (helpline) and 018-9888058 (SMS) Women’s Centre for Change for counselling and free legal advice at 04-2280342 and [email protected] Perak Women for Women at 05-5469715 and [email protected] Sabah Women’s Action Resource Group (SAWO) at 088-280200 and [email protected] Sarawak Women for Women Society at 082-442660/082-416053 Protect & Save the Children (P.S. The Children) at 03-79574344/ 79564355 and [email protected] The post Understanding Child Marriages in Malaysia appeared first on Her Inspirasi.

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