, ,

Examining Child Marriage in Russia

Child Marriage in RussiaIn 2015, the headline “Chechen Police Chief Marries Teen Bride Amid Mounting Scandal” appeared in The Moscow Times, before appearing in The Guardian. The image at the top of the article displays a young girl, simply 17, next to the groom, Nazhud Guchigov. When the story first broke, reporters stated that Guchigov was 57, but later amended this to 46. Guchigov’s marriage was a hot topic for several reasons; allegedly, Guchigov utilized his authority as a police chief to intimidate his bride’s parents and he was already married to another woman, and Guchigov made divisive statements regarding the matter on his Instagram.

About Child Marriage in Russia

In Russia, 254,000 girls were married by 15, and 5.4 million were married by 18. Unfortunately, even the best resources and websites on the matter do not provide much information regarding the population of girls who are experiencing coercion to marry. According to Girls Not Brides, an organization dedicated to eradicating child marriage and advocating for young women in developing countries, under Russia’s Article 12 of the Family Code, both men and women must be at least 18 years old to marry. However, there is other legislation that provides loopholes. Under Article 13 of the Family Code, a boy and a girl can marry at younger than 18, but never younger than 14 under special circumstances.

When dealing with child marriage in Russia, the problem runs significantly deeper than laws concerning the age of consent and getting beyond that red tape. Poverty, gender inequality and deep-rooted practices are all factors that influence the rate of child marriage; these factors are incredibly prevalent in modern Russia.

In 2020, the percentage of Russians living in poverty was 12.1%. While poverty has been decreasing throughout Russia, despite the ongoing war with Ukraine, poverty disproportionately affects women. The persistent pay gap and income gap greatly impact the average earnings of women in Russia. The matter becomes worse. As women tend to make less money, a woman’s poverty is then passed down to her children, affecting their access to higher education. Consider this pattern regarding the cycle of child marriage. Higher education is a wonderful resource when offering girls careers and lives outside of being a housewife, yet Russia’s current economy stubbornly limits a woman to that role.

Poverty and Misogyny in Russia

Poverty also exacerbates misogyny, the root cause behind child marriage in Russia. Russia’s domestic violence rate reflects Russia’s sexism and misogyny. Domestic violence against women is abundant in Russia, where 10% of all domestic violence deaths globally take place. For reference, Russia comprises 2% of the world’s population. There is abundant evidence revealing the link between poverty and domestic violence, and living in poverty can intensify violence towards women to immense extremes. Barbara Niess-May of the Safe House Center provides specific data points to make this point clearer: “In short, being poor further entraps the survivor in the abuse, and often lengthens any process she may go through to escape.” Returning to Russia’s domestic violence, the poverty disproportionately affecting women easily becomes a tool, manipulated by the abuser to keep the victim beneath him.

In a study by Marina Pisklakova-Parker, titled “Gender Issues in Russia,” she found that “71 percent of Russians share the opinion that the main purpose of a woman is to be a mother and a good housewife.” More concerningly, she also reported that “The Russian Human Rights Commissioner Tatiana Moskalkova publicly stated that since 10 April 2020, the number of domestic violence cases had more than doubled from 6,054 to about 13,000 per month.”

The Work of the ANNA Center

Despite the previously mentioned statistics, there is a growing feminist movement within Russia. The government has pledged to end child marriages in Russia by the year 2030; the United Nations has also made it a global goal to end all child marriages. Foreign aid plays a critical role when advocating for girls and women inside Russia, and the efforts have not been in vain. According to Bearr.org, there are 2% fewer domestic violence murders and 6% fewer rapes. Marina Pisklakova-Parker, the previously mentioned researcher, created The ANNA Center, the first domestic violence shelter for women in Russia, in 2015. Following the ANNA Center is the Zona Prava, the Consortium of Women’s Non-government Organizations, Nasiliu and the You Are Not Alone Network as the leading Russian NGOs combating violence against women, which includes child marriage. 

The impact of these shelters is no small feat, and sparked great change throughout the country of Russia. Pisklakova-Parker’s ANNA shelter is open to all women, no matter their income or residential address, two factors that make state shelters inaccessible to many women. To gain entry to a state shelter, women had to bring documentation of their husbands’ finances. In implementing this rule, many women are so longer able to utilize the shelter’s safety, as it would demand that they confront their abusers about their leaving. ANNA has no such rule, and is open to whoever needs the shelter. There is no public information containing how many women ANNA has helped, but in interviews, Pisklakova-Parker speaks positively of the growth of the shelter.

Nasiliu

Operating alongside ANNA, Nasiliu is an online resource for victims of domestic violence. Anna Rivinia established Nasiliu in 2015, beginning as a media project that focused on raising awareness of domestic violence in Russia. As recently as April 18, 2024, Nasiliu has expanded to global outreach for all Russian-speaking victims across the world. Most admirably, Nasiliu provides education on how to combat domestic violence legally within the framework of the Russian legal system.

– Peyton Worsham

Peyton is based in Jacksonville, FL, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

,

4 Organizations Helping to End Child Marriage in Ecuador

child marriage in EcuadorIn Ecuador, about 22% of girls get married before they reach the age of 18. The reasons this happens vary from families trying to escape poverty to violent groups using these children as a recruitment tactic for gaining more soldiers. However, no matter the reason child marriage can deeply hurt both the community and the children themselves. Most child marriages often come with the added expectation of having children, which can force the child out of school and put said child in danger of facing multiple health complications. This not only robs them of their life, but also the family of the child now faces a lower chance of breaking the poverty cycle. Here are some organizations that help end child marriage in Ecuador:

UN Women

Originally founded in 2010 as a part of the United Nations, U.N. Women has been helping with women’s rights all over the world. Its latest contribution to ending child marriage in Ecuador was in 2015 when it pressured multiple Latin and Central American countries to enforce 18 as the legal marriage. For Ecuador specifically, U.N. Women helped reform the law to have the legal age of marriage as 18.

Nada Foundation

Created by a human rights activist, Nada Al-Ahdal in 2015, the Nada Foundation works to fight and advocate against child marriage all over the world. While a lot of her most well-known work took place in the Middle East, Nada and her organization have advocated to help end child marriage in Ecuador, mainly by helping survivors of child marriage and giving girls better access to education in hopes of lowering the chances of getting married prematurely.

Parliamentarians for Global Action

The Parliamentarians for Global Action (PGA) is an organization that works to improve human rights on a global scale. This includes women’s rights and helping with the abolition of child marriage. PGA has a campaign where it talks to legislators to better address the issue of child marriage, including Ecuador. In 2022, they also worked in collaboration with Girls Not Brides to strategize with the National Group in the National Assembly of Ecuador.

Girls Not Brides

Originally founded in 2011, Girls Not Brides focuses its efforts on an international scale and often works with other organizations in different countries to help with their goal of eliminating child marriage. In Ecuador, it has two listed partners, Let Girls Rise and Sendas.

Child marriage directly hurts the family of the bride and the child herself, but helping to fight it gives these children better hope for the future.

– Jose Gabriel Lopez

Jose is based in London, UK and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, ,

Child Marriage in Andorra

Child Marriage in Andorra

Despite Andorra’s modest geographic size, the country is known for its Romance Catalan language and strong diplomatic spirit. Above all these fascinating features, Andorra has a lengthy history of underage marriages as defined by the 1995 Andorra Marriage Law. With the approval of the child’s guardians, this law permits 16-year-olds to marry. The United Nations (U.N.) Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) are two active organizations that aim to end child marriage and bring social stability.

Reproductive Freedom for Young Girls

According to the CRC, teenagers in early marriages have the right to seek reproductive and sexual health facilities when in need. Particularly, many teenage females suffer the most from these early marriages. They typically endure domestic violence from their partners. Additionally, they can fall pregnant at an early age, which may trigger mental health problems down the road.

However, the country criminalizes abortion in all circumstances and doesn’t offer domestic exceptions, even for rape, incest or health risks. As a result, people who seek abortions, including underage girls, are forced to travel to Spain or France. In response, the CRC in September 2023, expressed grave concern over Andorra’s total ban. Similarly, CEDAW recommended legal reform so that women and girls, including minors, don’t have to leave the country to access essential reproductive care.

UN Push Leads to Andorra Child Marriage Ban

In 1996, Andorra implemented a recommendation from the U.N. Committee to standardize the minimum legal age for marriage at 18 for both boys and girls. However, despite this early move, concerns persisted over loopholes in the country’s legal framework that still allowed underage marriages under certain conditions. In 2023, the issue resurfaced when the U.N. took note of recent amendments to the Qualified Act on Persons and Families. These reforms reinforced the prohibition of child marriage. These updates provided a more explicit and enforceable legal ban, making the country’s stance on the issue more straightforward.

The U.N. Committee suggested an act to standardize the minimum legal age for marriage at 18 for both boys and girls. Andorra implemented this recommendation in 1996. The U.N. brought up the subject again in 2023 after seeing that the Qualified Act on Persons and Families, a recently amended law, had been reinforced to outlaw child marriage. This allows for a more straightforward and apparent ban on this issue.

That same year, CEDAW called on Andorran communities to end underage marriage entirely. The Committee criticized provisions that permitted marriage as early as age 14 with judicial approval and age 16 under specific circumstances. CEDAW urged Andorra to fully align with international standards by establishing 18 as the absolute minimum legal age for marriage, without exceptions.

Further back in 2015, during the Universal Periodic Review by the U.N. Human Rights Council, Andorra had already agreed with CEDAW’s recommendations to strengthen child protection laws. As part of its broader human rights commitments, Andorra ratified the Council of Europe Convention to prevent and combat violence against children and conflict-related crimes. Under this framework, forced marriages, whether involving adults or minors, are now classified as a form of sexual abuse.

Final Remarks

Andorra has taken a pivotal stance against child marriage, guided by unwavering support for the two global groups. Andorra continues to establish child rights that adhere to universal standards. Legislative modifications and the cautious assembly to hold meetings helped examine these pressing issues and served to support this. Andorra’s commitment to safeguarding adolescents’ health assists in minimizing the adverse social and health effects of unlawful marriages.

– Janae Bayford

Janae is based in Centennial, CO, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, ,

Protecting Futures: Addressing Child Marriage in Rwanda

Child Marriage in RwandaChild marriage in Rwanda is being tackled through education and advocacy, helping communities to unite and confront the harmful practice, creating a safer future for young women and girls.

Today, approximately 38,800 girls in Rwanda are married before the age of 15 and 424,900 married before 18. This practice has direct links to poverty as struggling families see early marriage as a means for financial relief. However, Rwanda is implementing strategies to tackle child marriage by addressing the root causes.

Legal Protections

The Rwandan government has raised the legal marriage age to 21. This law aims to protect girls from early marriage, allowing them to complete their education.

Mandatory documentation checks help to enforce the law, closing loopholes that previously allowed child marriage in Rwanda to fly under the radar. Additionally, there are awareness campaigns about the consequences for breaking the law which community leaders support. These consequences can act as deterrents, helping people to understand the seriousness of the law.

Education Programs

Access to education is central to preventing child marriage in Rwanda. The “Girl’s Education Policy,” launched in 2008, has increased girls’ enrolment in primary and secondary schools by 15%. This policy promotes gender equality through mentorship programs and savings groups for girls.

UNICEF has also supported girls’ education in Rwanda through initiatives like the GIRL program (Girls In Rwanda Learn), which provides learning support for girls at risk of dropping out of school. The scheme helps to address challenges such as academic struggles and limited resources, aiming to empower girls to stay in school and advance their education in spite of familial and economic pressures that may lead to early marriage. 

Community Involvement

Community-based efforts are deconstructing cultural norms that accept child marriage as commonplace. For example, the 12+ Adolescent Girls Empowerment Program hosted workshops and seminars to empower girls, build new skills and educate on the risks of early marriage. With almost 100,000 girls reached, the initiative strengthened young girl’s self-confidence and reduced the risk that they and their families might see child marriage as the only option for economic security.

Economic Empowerment

Economic pressure is one of the main reasons behind child marriage in Rwanda. However, the country has introduced initiatives to tackle this. For example, vocational training programs equip girls with practical skills in jobs such as tailoring, hairdressing and farming. These skills give young women and girls a route to financial independence, helping them to provide for their families without relying on early marriage. These programs are also open to young girls who have already been a victim of child marriage or who are young mothers.

Support for Victims

Rwanda has support systems in place for victims of child marriage. Similar to the vocational training programs, community-based girls’ clubs provide safe spaces where survivors can share experiences, receive emotional support and gain critical skills to help them reclaim their lives.

Reintegration programs that local organizations provide such as the “Imbuto Foundation” offer counseling to help girls, who have been married early or teenage mothers, navigate any difficulties as they rebuild their lives. Once again, vocational training through these programs also gives survivors the tools for financial independence, allowing them to break free from cycles of dependency.

Progress and Challenges

So far, efforts to reduce child marriage have seen the percentage of women, aged 20-24, married before 18 lowered to 6%. This number reflects the effectiveness of the legal reforms, education initiatives and community advocacy.

Despite this progress, one in 20 young women still marry as children. The practice largely persists in rural areas where poverty, limited resources and ingrained cultural practices hinder further improvements. However, the progress so far proves that Rwanda can overcome these barriers. With continued investment, awareness and collaboration a freer future can be ensured for all young girls in Rwanda.

– Amber Lennox

Amber is based in Suffolk, UK and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

,

Child Marriage in Colombia: New Law and Future Implications

child marriage in colombiaAfter renewing legislation in November 2024, Colombia is now one of 12 countries out of the 33 in Latin America and the Caribbean to ban marriage under the age of 18, following the lead of other countries such as Honduras, Mexico and the Dominican Republic. Data shows that 4.5 million girls and women in Colombia marry before 18, which equates to about a quarter of the population. Of this figure, approximately 1 million married before their 15th birthday.

This law is pivotal considering the previous backlash towards attempts to make a change. While rights groups have campaigned to end the practice of child marriage in Colombia for 17 years, bills were shot down as many representatives of the country’s more than 100 Indigenous communities opposed the bill, The Guardian reports.

The Effects of Child Marriage

Indeed, this law had a detrimental impact on girls seeing as rates of childhood marriage in girls are about three times higher than for boys. Children living in poverty and rural or Indigenous communities are those who were particularly affected, being forced to drop out of school and likely becoming exposed to domestic violence, according to The Guardian. Therefore, child marriage in Colombia and around the world perpetuates the cycle of poverty by possibly preventing those children from seeking an education that may allow them to take up a tertiary or quaternary profession in the future.

Problematically, child marriages were often between girls in poverty and an older partner with economic power. While it is crucial to address child marriage to reduce poverty, it is still “most common in the world’s poorest countries and the poorest households.” Girls from poor families are twice as likely to marry before 18 as girls from wealthier families, and the girls who marry young are more than twice as likely to remain poor.

Food insecurity and malnutrition may lead to child marriage as families with limited food resources may try to marry their daughters to ease food concerns. Moreover, a lack of education can also be a fundamental barrier to the welfare of young girls in low-income communities. Girls with no education are three times as likely to marry by 18 as those with a secondary or higher education.

Positive Future Implications on Poverty

The approval of the law is an important first step toward positive change. It will lead to a national education program that gives young people the tools they need to think about their futures. Therefore, while poverty often exacerbates child marriage, programs that provide families with income-generation opportunities or financial support have the potential to tackle the roots of the problems that led to child marriage from the outset.

These initiatives and the new law could hopefully protect girls from child marriage and facilitate broader efforts to shift social norms. However, while this paves the way for improvements, there is still a long way to go. For example, Plan International stresses the importance of promoting equal rights for girls and adolescents in Colombia.

Overall, while November 2024 marks the beginning of legal change regarding child marriage in Colombia, ongoing efforts are necessary to shift social norms and move focus away from child marriage and into education systems. Child marriage, a byproduct of the economic strain of poverty, means that more work is necessary fix the roots of the problem. Indeed, investing in education systems and providing economic opportunities to impoverished communities can help resolve such issues.

– Amani Almasri

Amani is based in Durham, UK and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, ,

Initiatives that Empower Girls’ Education in India

Girls’ Education in India
Only one in three girls in India complete secondary school. High-quality girls’ education is crucial in equipping girls with the right skills for equal job opportunities to boys and in escaping generational poverty. When women can earn money, they are also able to contribute back to their community. Although poverty rates in 2023 have fallen to around 5%, inequality has risen in India. Gender disparities including in literacy and education have resulted in poverty rates for women to be 21%, compared to 15% for men. Therefore, these initiatives focused on girls’ education in India have been significant in reducing poverty and improving India’s overall economy.

Nearly one in four girls in India are in a marriage or union before their 18th birthday, primarily due to their families’ financial struggles and deep-rooted social norms. Early and child marriages are highly prevalent in Indian societies, disproportionately impacting girls and their education as their priorities change to domestic duties. A lack of feminine hygiene systems in schools and parent’s awareness about the importance of girl’s education, also challenge girls’ education in India. After voicing these concerns, initiatives have been implemented to begin to overcome these challenges and empower girls’ education in India.

UNICEF and Gender Equality

UNICEF India’s 2018-2022 initiative aims to improve India’s overall gender equality. Many girls in particular drop out of school early because of marriage. Consequently, adult literacy in India is lower among women than men. UNICEF’s initiatives have been productive on a national and district level, having supported large government programs in reducing child marriage and Panchayats in becoming “child marriage free.”

For example, by making it easier to report a child’s marriage to the authorities and promoting girls’ education rather than marriage. It is more likely for girls to stay in education when they postpone marriage beyond the legal age, which results in a more educated and empowered population. Women’s literacy levels are also important for their health and their ability to access help in case of domestic abuse.

UNICEF advocates for a more gender-responsive approach to the curriculum. This includes changing the language and images in textbooks to not perpetuate gender stereotypes and encouraging more women to pursue STEM subjects. Facilitating girls’ and boys’ clubs- those who are out of school and most vulnerable can safely continue their learning. UNICEF also encourages girls to participate in sports and activities such as photography.

The WASH program improved schools’ infrastructure and girls’ access to menstrual hygiene management. For example, under law, it is now mandatory for schools to provide well-equipped, separate gendered bathrooms.

Government Schemes

Launched in 2015, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) aims to address gender inequality by educating locals about the importance of investing in girl’s education. By openly challenging the social norm of girls’ education, it makes social policies that tackle gender inequality more effective. For example, introducing families to girls’ scholarships at university. Through the program, local data about girls’ education could also be analyzed, including which areas girls were most vulnerable to dropping out of school and identifying where extra support is needed to bridge India’s gender educational gap.

Looking Ahead

Although the gender gap in India’s education remains, its government and UNICEF initiatives have been foundational in India’s progress toward greater quality and access to girls’ education. Continuing to highlight and celebrate the benefits of empowering girls’ education could lead to greater social policy changes that reduce gender inequality as well as overall poverty in India.

– Liling Zhang

Liling is based in Manchester, UK and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pixabay

, ,

“I Still Had the Mind of a Child”: Ending Child Marriage in Zambia

Child Marriage in ZambiaAt 14, Doreen was forced to marry a man more than twice her age. Orphaned early, she saw marriage as a way to support her younger siblings. “I didn’t want to get married,” Doreen recalls. “I loved going to school. But I thought if I got married, I could help take care of my siblings.” Like many girls in Zambia, Doreen’s marriage meant the end of her education and the beginning of a life filled with responsibilities far beyond her years. “I should have been in school. I was too young. I still had the mind of a child,” she says. Her day-to-day life quickly shifted to household chores. “I spent most of my time sweeping, washing and doing dishes. I admired my friends going to school while I stayed home.”

Doreen’s story is not uncommon. In Zambia, nearly 29% of girls are married before they turn 18 and 5% before age 15. The impacts are widespread, especially in rural areas like the eastern and northern provinces, where traditions and economic pressures often lead families to marry off their daughters at a young age.

Why Child Marriage in Zambia Continues

Poverty is a major driving force behind Zambia’s high rate of child marriage. Indeed, around 60% of the population lives below the poverty line and for many families, marrying off their daughters can seem like a way to reduce financial strain. A bride price—money or goods paid to the girl’s family—can immediately relieve households struggling to get by.

In Doreen’s case, her grandmother worried about the future after taking on the responsibility of raising five grandchildren. She arranged the marriage, thinking it would secure Doreen’s future. “My grandmother feared she wouldn’t live long enough to care for us all,” Doreen explained.

Cultural practices also contribute. In many communities, marrying young girls is seen as a way to preserve family honor, prevent premarital sex or control a girl’s future.

The Impact on Girls’ Lives

For many girls, getting married means their education is over. Without access to school, they lose the opportunity to gain skills that could help them build a future independent of poverty. Doreen reflects on how her life might have been different: “If I had stayed in school, my life would have been different. I could have become a teacher, earned my own salary.”

Ending child marriage is crucial for reducing severe health risks, especially those associated with early pregnancy. Doreen, who became pregnant at 15, knows this all too well. “I was hurt when I found out I was pregnant. People were pointing at me: ‘That one is pregnant,’” she recalls. Her age caused complications during childbirth and doctors recommended surgery. “I was too young,” she explains.

Health complications from early pregnancies are common among child brides. Young mothers face higher risks during childbirth and are also more vulnerable to sexually transmitted infections, including HIV. The emotional, physical and sexual abuse that often goes with child marriage compounds these challenges, leaving many girls trapped in a life of hardship.

Ending Child Marriage in Zambia: New Legislation

In its fight toward ending child marriage, Zambia passed the Marriage (Amendment) Act of 2023, setting 18 as the minimum marriage age without exceptions. Any marriage involving a child is now void from the start and cultural practices allowing child marriage are no longer recognized. Furthermore, the law also enforces strict penalties, with those involved in child marriages facing up to five years in prison. Under the Education Act, marrying off school-going children carries a minimum 15-year sentence.

The 2023 Amendment builds on Zambia’s earlier laws, including the Education Act of 2011, which banned marrying off school children and the Child Code Act of 2022, which criminalized child marriage. These laws aim to protect girls and align Zambia with international agreements on child rights.

What Comes Next

Zambia’s battle against ending child marriage is far from over. The success of the Amendment will depend on successfully enforcing the law alongside addressing the cultural and economic factors that sustain the practice. In communities where poverty and tradition drive child marriage, laws alone may not be enough to create lasting change.

Traditional leaders are vital in preventing child marriages. As respected figures, they can report cases, promote birth registration and support local authorities in enforcing laws. Schools and educators also have to raise awareness among students and parents about the dangers and legal protections around early marriage.

Health care providers are vital, too. By offering youth-friendly services and educating families on the health risks, they help reduce early marriages and support at-risk girls. Engaging men and boys is often overlooked. Involving them in discussions about gender equality and challenging norms can shift attitudes. When they advocate for girls’ education and rights, the cycle of child marriage has a better chance of being broken.

Final Note

Zambia’s new law marks a significant milestone toward ending child marriage. Yet, with nearly a third of girls marrying before 18, achieving lasting change will require ongoing education, community engagement and support for girls. Doreen’s experiences reflect those of many girls across the country, serving as a reminder of the work still needed. She says, “I wouldn’t want anyone else to go through what I did at 14.”

– Georgia O’Keeffe

Georgia is based in Wiltshire, UK and focuses on Technology and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, ,

What You Need to Know about Child Marriage in Iraqi Kurdistan

Child Marriage in Iraqi KurdistanChild marriage remains a significant issue in the Iraqi Kurdistan region. It occurs in regions where poverty is prevalent, such as India, Africa and the Middle East. Campaigns and legislative frameworks have been implemented to combat the issue.

Prevalence

Data from Iraq’s Central Bureau of Statistics showed that 5% of Iraqi girls were married before the age of 15, while approximately 22% of Iraqi girls married before they turned 18. Child marriage contracts in the Kurdistan region are often concluded informally outside the courts. The marriages are not formally registered, leading to the underreporting of actual rates. There are international legal instruments and local laws that set a minimum age for marriage and require registration. However, enforcement of these laws is often weak. This allows informal marriages to occur without legal repercussions.

Key Drivers of Child Marriage

Several factors contribute to child marriage in Iraqi Kurdistan.

  1. Conflict and Displacement: Conflict and displacement exacerbate vulnerabilities, leading families to marry off daughters to reduce economic burdens.
  2. Cultural and Social Norms: Traditional beliefs and social pressures can impact this. Some communities may view early marriage as ensuring their daughter’s future and protecting her family’s honor.
  3. Gender inequalities: Deep-rooted gender inequality and gender biases subordinate the status of women and girls in societies that perpetuate the practices.

Risks of Child Marriage

Young girls who marry as children face numerous risks. They are vulnerable to health issues as a consequence of rape, early pregnancy and premature childbirth. Psychologically, they may suffer from social isolation enforced by their families and domestic violence. Despite legal measures, violence and rape remain prevalent in child marriages due to inadequate official responses.

In Iraq, although rape is criminalized, charges can be dropped if the victim marries the perpetrator. Moreover, since spousal rape is not criminalized, domestic violence is seldom reported, with families often resolving issues privately.

Legal Contexts

“The Personal Status Law and Amendments 1987 sets the legal age for marriage at 18”. However, judges can permit girls as young as 15 to marry under certain circumstances, for example, parental consent if the marriage is deemed as being in the best interests of the girl. This contributes to the prevalence of child marriage in the region. Proposed bill changes to Iraq’s Personal Status Law recently alarmed women and children’s rights campaigners.

The proposed amendments would allow Muslim citizens to choose between secular and religious laws for family matters, potentially legalizing child marriage for girls as young as 9. Furthermore, these amendments would undermine existing protections for women regarding divorce and inheritance. These changes could institutionalize sectarianism in family law and empower religious authorities, raising significant concerns among women and children’s rights advocates. On July 28, 2024, a group of activists, including campaigners from the Organization of Women’s Freedom in Iraq (OWFI), gathered in Baghdad’s Tahrir Square in opposition to the bill.

Actions Taken

In 2016, an Inter-Ministerial committee in Kurdistan adopted a plan to change societal attitudes toward child marriage. The plan included launching a campaign called “Ensuring My Future.” The campaign emphasized the direct link between empowering young boys and girls and reducing child marriage rates. It also challenged the misconception that child marriage secures a girl’s future. The plan targets young girls, adolescent girls and parents by showcasing success stories of women in various professional fields to inspire girls to pursue education and careers. Additionally, religious and health arguments are used to persuade families to abandon the practice of marrying their daughters at a young age.

A Child Marriage Task Force was established in Kurdistan in 2016. The task force has representation from child protection and gender-based violence working groups to coordinate responses and provide guidance. It focuses on prevention strategies, policy recommendations, awareness raising, and improving data collection to address the issue in the region effectively.

There is also an increased collaboration between international organizations, local nongovernmental organizations and government bodies to address child marriage. Initiatives like the Global Programme to End Child Marriage, implemented by the United Nations Population Fund and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), are working to create sustainable change by addressing the root causes of child marriage and supporting affected girls.

These include a comprehensive approach that empowers girls with education and life skills. Furthermore, it engages communities to challenge harmful norms, strengthens support systems and services, advocates for protective policies, and emphasizes data collection. UNICEF has reported that the collaborative efforts of various organizations fighting against child marriage, including Girls Not Brides, have successfully averted 25 million arranged child marriages.

Final Remark

Progress has been made to eradicate child marriage in Iraqi Kurdistan. However, continued efforts are needed to empower girls and shift societal norms to ensure a future where every child can enjoy their right to a safe and fulfilling childhood.

– Hannah Ravariere

Hannah is based in London, UK and focuses on Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, ,

Legislation Passed: Child Marriage in Sierra Leone is Banned

Child Marriage in Sierra LeoneOn July 2, 2024, President Julius Maada Bio signed the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act to end the widespread practice in Sierra Leone.

Law That Aims to Protect

In Sierra Leone, a milestone has been achieved in the country; the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act was recently signed into effect, eradicating all child marriages younger than the age of 18. This includes conspiracy, aiding and abetting a child to enter marriage; violators can expect strict penalties if found guilty, with punishments of up to 15 years in prison and approximately $4,000 fine.

Obligations on community and religious leaders will require them to take strong measures so they don’t officiate child marriages and no person is allowed to attend the ceremony involving a child. It will also prevent cohabitation with a child regardless of whether married or not, criminalizing both as offenses.

The new bill contributes to protecting women, girls and children from harmful practices, even employing marriage prohibition officers who will work within communities to advise and issue reports, ensuring the law is being followed.

The Scale of Child Marriage

According to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), an estimated 800,000 child brides reside in Sierra Leone, with half having been married before the age of 15 years. Child marriage is common in the country, with 30% of girls aged 20 to 24 years old married before age 18 and 13% married before age 15.

The reasons for child marriage are complex and vary: poverty, education, gender inequality, religion and even inheritance are all factors related to this ongoing issue. Families with limited resources seek to find ways for their children to gain opportunities; by offering a bride in the form of a child, the motivation is not just economic, but also a custom and local practice.

Education, FGM and Risks

The effects of child marriage have been devasting, resulting in many disadvantages for women and girls throughout their lives. Girls are often less educated and unable to complete secondary school, which limits their employment opportunities. This makes them underrepresented in skilled and professional industries and digital literacy, such as the internet, cell phones and technology that can provide them access to more resources and information.

There is also the divisive practice of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) used to initiate girls into womanhood and prepare them for marriage. It’s a method of suppressing women’s and girls’ sexual urges and keeping them focused on the woman’s responsibilities and duties she will face within her home. According to the 2019 Sierra Leone Demographic and Health Survey, 83% of women and girls aged between 15 and 49 years have undergone FGM.

Final Remark

Additional concerns that must be addressed are fear of retaliation for having a family member imprisoned and increased poverty, which will prevent many from following the new law. Therefore, it will take much involvement from the community for this law to make a substantial impact. The benefits for women, girls and children are great for now. They can finish school, gain more skills and seek opportunities. Most of all, they can enjoy childhood without the pressures of being forced into child marriage.

– Tanita Love

Tanita is based in Chicago, IL, USA and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

, , , ,

Ending Child Marriage in Guinea

Child Marriage in GuineaChild marriage occurs in many countries but Guinea has some of the highest prevalence rates in the world. The World Bank defines child marriage as a “marriage or union taking place before the age of 18.” Many often associate it with poverty and low levels of education, and it disproportionally affects girls. There are several successful programs to reduce child marriage in Guinea.

Affected Population

In Guinea, though the law states that the minimum age of marriage is 18, this is not always upheld in practice. According to Girls Not Brides, 47% of girls marry before 18 and 17% of girls marry before the age of 15. This compares with 2% of boys who are married before age 18.

Rates of child marriage differ based on location. Rates of child marriage are two times higher in rural than urban areas, which may coincide with higher levels of poverty in the countryside. Child marriage in Guinea is more common in some areas of the country than others, with the highest rate being in Labé where 76% of children marry before 18, according to Girls Not Brides.

Reasons behind Child Marriage

Child marriages are often done with parental consent and because of financial worries, as children can be offered in exchange for goods. Other reasons include religious beliefs and fears of girls falling pregnant outside of marriage, Girls Not Brides reports.

Child marriage brings many dangers to these girls; 95% of girls married before 18 experience FGM/C, according to Girls Not Brides. Girls who are married as children are more likely to give birth earlier and experience complications in these pregnancies. They also have a higher chance of contracting infections like HIV and are at a higher risk of experiencing domestic violence.

Child Marriage and Poverty

Guinea is experiencing high levels of poverty with, according to the World Bank, 43.7% of people living below the poverty line – this equates to 5.8 million people. Statistically, there is a strong positive correlation between rates of poverty and rates of child marriage. This can be seen in Guinea; Labé is one of the poorest areas of the country with 66% of people living below the poverty. The city also has the highest rate of child marriage in Guinea. 

UNICEF has identified that increasing access to education is a significant contributing factor to reducing rates of child marriage. According to Girls Not Brides, 63% of women without an education marry before 18, compared with 26% with secondary level education or higher. Therefore, a key aspect of tackling child marriage is increasing access to education; this is also an important aim of downsizing poverty.

Solutions

Though Guinea is amongst the highest in the world for child marriage, some changes are taking place. The country signed up to the SDGs, one of which aims to end child marriage. Guinea also signed the Convention on the Rights of the Child and in 2017 launched the African Union Campaign to End Child Marriage in Africa, according to Girls Not Brides. This campaign began in 2014 and aims to target the countries in Africa most affected by child marriage. It has given countries and leaders space to advocate for girls’ rights and has encouraged many countries to change their laws regarding child marriage. It has also led to more research on child marriage, providing important information on its impacts.

UNICEF has implemented the Fundamental Skills Improvement Programme, which trains teachers with the overall aim of improving the reading and mathematical abilities of children in Guinea. At the beginning of the program, 61% of students could not identify numbers. Just six months into the scheme this decreased to only 4%. Because of this success, many other schools are applying to the program, increasing its reach from 1,500 students to almost 6,000.

Equity Committee

The U.S. government has also offered help to increase access to education; the USAID education programme created an Equity Committee to grow the number of girls in education. The World Bank also joined this to fund studies into how to educate girls, as it was such uncharted territory, as well as running publicity campaigns to encourage more girls, and their families, to access education. This resulted in the percentage of girls attending school increasing from 23% to 36% and the percentage of boys rising from 51% to 66% in just four years.

This increase in education has had an impact on the number of child marriages in Guinea. There has been an overall decrease in the number of child marriages: the World Bank has reported that the mean age of marriage in 18-22-year-olds is 15.5, compared with 16.8 in 18-49-year-olds, therefore showing a decline.

There have been notable improvements and the future opportunities are looking brighter for Guinea’s young people as work continues to decrease child marriage in Guinea. By continuing to increase the number of children, especially girls, accessing education and by downsizing poverty, Guinea can further the progress made to eradicate child marriage.

– Eryn Greenaway

Eryn is based in England and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr