Marrying a child, also known as child marriage, refers to a formal marriage or informal union involving at least one person below the age of 18. It is a human rights violation that disproportionately affects young girls. Child marriage is prevalent in many parts of the world, particularly in South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa.
Causes of Child Marriage
Some of the key drivers of child marriage include:
- Poverty – Marrying off a daughter means one less mouth to feed and can provide a dowry payment.
- Culture – In many cultures, child marriage is a long-standing tradition.
- Gender inequality – Girls are seen as a burden and child marriage is a way to ensure their security.
- Limited education – Lack of education perpetuates the cycle of poverty and child marriage.
- Instability – In humanitarian crises and conflict settings, child marriage increases.
Prevalence of Child Marriage
According to UNICEF, the top countries for child marriage rates are:
| Country | Prevalence |
|---|---|
| Niger | 76% |
| Chad | 68% |
| Mali | 55% |
| Bangladesh | 52% |
| Burkina Faso | 49% |
This data shows the widespread nature of child marriage globally, with over half of girls married before 18 in some countries.
Consequences of Child Marriage
There are a number of serious consequences associated with child marriage:
- Health complications from early pregnancy – The leading cause of death for girls 15-19 is complications from pregnancy and childbirth.
- Higher rates of domestic violence – Child brides are more likely to experience abuse from partners.
- Limited education – Girls married young often drop out of school and remain illiterate.
- Poverty – Early marriage helps perpetuate the cycle of poverty.
- Psychological damage – Being married before one is physically, emotionally, or psychologically ready can cause trauma.
Efforts to End Child Marriage
In recent years, there have been growing global efforts to end child marriage:
- Legislation – Many countries have introduced laws prohibiting marriage before 18.
- Education – Programs aim to increase school attendance and retention of girls.
- Empowerment – Initiatives provide skills, jobs, and support networks for at-risk girls.
- Awareness – Campaigns inform communities of the harms of child marriage.
- Policy – Governments develop national strategies to address child marriage.
While the practice has declined in some countries, ending child marriage worldwide remains an ongoing challenge.
Conclusion
Child marriage is a complex issue driven by various cultural, social, economic and religious factors. Global progress has been made in recent decades, but the practice remains widespread, especially among the poorest and most marginalized girls. Ultimately, empowering girls, educating communities, and enforcing laws are key strategies to eliminating child marriage worldwide. This will require continued effort and collaboration across development, human rights, and women’s rights sectors.