Abstract
Early marriage is one of the most serious social problems and has significant consequences for women's mental and physical health. Early marriages are often associated with sociocultural circumstances such as illiteracy, poverty, and crime against women in low-income areas. Because of the unsafe and unacceptable environments at home and in society, some girls decide to marry young. In addition to the negative impact on women's well-being, early marriage also hinders their educational and economic opportunities, hindering their ability to acquire essential skills and knowledge for personal and professional growth. It often leads to limited access to education and perpetuates the cycle of poverty and inequality, further exacerbating the challenges faced by women in marginalized communities. Additionally, early marriage often perpetuates harmful gender norms and reinforces patriarchal structures, denying women the autonomy and agency to make decisions about their own lives. The study aimed to explore the causes and consequences of women in early marriage in Chennai, India, who were married below 18.