'Let kids be kids': Fierce backlash after Kmart bans child bride dress

Kmart was quick to act following one mother's concerns.

October 23 2019

The outfit is made for children aged between four and six. Image: Kmart

The outfit is made for children aged between four and six. Image: Kmart


"It was not intended to cause offence and we sincerely apologise. We have made the decision to withdraw this product."

The costume was made for girls as young as four.

Shannon said the sale of the costumes was "beyond inappropriate" and Kmart had a "social responsibility" to pull the item off their shelves.

"Child marriage means child abuse and torture in its worst forms - paedophilia, child rape, child slavery, child sex trafficking," she said.

World Vision speaks

Shannon's views were backed by World Vision Australia, whose child rights advocate Mercy Jumo said: "Anything that trivialises child marriage is disturbing".

Jumo said we should be "affirming" young girls and encouraging them to aspire and to reach their potential.

"Children around the world dress up. They play," Ms Jumo said.

"But children could rather be dressed up as lawyers, or as engineers, or as doctors. "Are we affirming them to grow and to thrive? Are we protecting them as children?"

World Vision says child marriage has a devastating impact on young girls. Credit: World Vision Australia

Ms Jumo, who grew up in Zimbabwe, said child marriage was a gravely serious issue around the world, and prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa and parts of Asia.

Each year, 12 million girls are married before the age of 18, which is one every 23 minutes.

"Children should be in school. When girls are married they are out of the classroom," she said.

"They have health concerns associated with childbearing and HIV.

"There are so many negatives associated with child marriage."

 

The bride costume is no longer for sale. Image: Kmart

The bride costume is no longer for sale. Image: Kmart

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