Girl engagement or prostitution

BBC did a picture essay today on Mass wedding in India 'prostitute village'. This article show cases how in a small town in the state of Gujarat, India daughters of sex workers are being married off to prevent them from being pushed into prostitution. Several girls, 18 and over, got married at this mass event with many under 18 getting engaged. Some of these under 18 girls look no older than 5-6 years. The organization that put together the event says, once the girl is engaged she cannot be pushed into prostitution, which ultimately gives her a better life.

I don't know whether I should feel happy or sad on reading this. What kind of society is this that leaves only two options on the table for the girl child - marriage or prostitution? I am appalled to see that the only escape the daughters of these sex workers have from becoming a prostitute themselves is to get married as soon as they turn 18. What happened to free will and choice? I guess, those words haven't reached this town yet.

While the girl will be saved from a life time of agony, disease, humiliation and what not, what will she be subject to? Raising children from 18 to 35+ years of age, cooking, cleaning and if she is really unlucky perhaps domestic violence. Are these alternatives really alternatives? I know its a start but I am at a loss of words to understand the mentality of people who do not think their women are good enough to do anything else. Sell sex and have illegitimate children or have sex for legitimate children.

In a land where Goddess are worshipped and feared, this cavalier attitude towards women is evident of how far off from its scriptures and traditions the country has passed. India was once considered a glorious nation that treated its inhabitants - both male & female - equally. Over the years, these ideas have eroded and been replaced by selfish individuals who for the sake of power over the masses or over the family will go to any lengths. An indeed sad state of affairs!