Population Council Research that makes a difference

Abstract

Married adolescent girls: Human rights, health, and developmental needs of a neglected majority (HTML) 
Bruce,Judith
Economic and Political Weekly 38(41): 4378-4380
Publication date: 2003

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The adolescent agenda and the concept of adolescence originated in western cultures; for a long time, moreover, the nature of adolescent sexuality centred on the behaviour of unmarried sexually active adolescents. It is time that the adolescent agenda is widened to include the concerns of a hitherto neglected section -married adolescent girls, especially those from the developing world. While alarming pressures on their sexuality and fertility have just begun to be noticed, concerns about their social condition, their universe are just beginning to be unveiled. Addressing these concerns needs a multi-pronged approach that include implementation of laws that delay marriage and help build skills for a better life; community-based interventions that ensure social support and also the development of HIV/STI prevention strategies specific to meeting the needs of this vulnerable section.

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