Today to celebrate International Women’s Day, FIN held a debate in its Rural Lab in Kameswaram village. The topic was: This house believes that it is better to marry off girls after graduation rather than send them to work first. Criteria for judging were content of argument (logic & understandability), style of argument (clarity, voice, diction, confidence), and persuasiveness. The “for early marriage” speakers were Renuka, Vijayrani, and Devaki and the “no to early marriage” speakers were Prema, Kalaiselvi, and Vanita. The first team (for early marriage) won getting 106 points, while the second team (against early marriage) got 93 points.
The discussion on early marriage yielded a range of perspectives. Proponents argue that marriage is a personal growth milestone, not the end of life. One woman, married at 19 with a child, now thrives as a home-based entrepreneur. They emphasized that marriage and family life, more than education, foster awareness of the world’s workings. Additionally, technological advancements offer women greater control over pregnancy and family planning.
Opponents countered that marriage without professional experience puts women at risk. Widowed women with no career could struggle financially. They argued that many such women faced exploitation by their husbands’ families and were relegated to housework. They disagreed with the pro-early marriage stance, highlighting restricted mobility and a lack of independence for these women.
Beyond Early vs. Late: The Importance of Individual Circumstances
There were two Chief Guests – Diana Sharmila Ma’am, Chairman of Velankanni Municipality, and Shyamala Ma’am, Head Master of the Panchayat Primary School at Kameswaram. Ms. Sharmila agreed that both sides had valid points and congratulated them on having come forward to express their views frankly. Ms. Shyamala exhorted the women in the room to: “treat male and female children with equal love as well as strictness and encourage girls and women to be courageous and explore the world with their fresh new perspectives.
Audience participation revealed a crucial point: marital happiness hinges more on the spouse and in-laws than marriage timing. FIN Staff members Ranjita Ma’am and Raveen Ma’am agreed. Ranjita Ma’am said, “The husband and his family can make or break a woman’s life – that’s the bottom line.” Meena reminisced about her family, her younger sister and her elder sister, both of whose lives were completely shaped by their husband’s family, providing examples of happy and unhappy marriages at both early and late stages. Amutha Ma’am further noted that educational qualifications don’t always translate to earning potential, highlighting successful entrepreneurs without degrees and unemployed women with many.
The consensus shifted: a woman’s inner drive, capabilities, and support from her family (maternal, marital, and in-law) are more important than marriage age.
Concluding Thoughts and Unforeseen Issues
Nagalaxmi ma’am and Paranjothi sir highlighted additional concerns. Nagalaxmi ma’am stressed the need to educate girls about the risks of impulsive elopements during school or college. Paranjothi sir brought up the challenge that educated women face after gaining professional experience are forced to stay home due to a lack of childcare options.
The virtual debate proved to be as stimulating as any intellectual seminar, perhaps even more so due to its interactive nature. The Chief Guests agreed that FIN’s community events were far more impactful than traditional panel discussions, fostering active participation from the audience. The speakers were awarded prizes of vessels and all were given gifts of mats made by FIN staff Nagalaxmi, Meena, and Ranjita as well as ornamental plants grown by them.
Congratulations and thanks to Amutha ma’am, Raveena ma’am, and Paranjothi sir for the excellent organisation of the International Women’s Day debate at Kameswaram village!