Until recently, Costa Rica had one of the highest child marriage rates in Latin America, affecting more than 359,000 girls nationwide. About one in six young women married before turning 18. Poverty, social inequality and cultural norms that limited girls’ autonomy often drove these early unions. In the past few years, child marriage in Costa Rica has made remarkable progress. Through legal reforms, education initiatives and social programs, the country steadily moves toward eradicating child marriage altogether.

Poverty and the Roots of Child Marriage

Understanding why child marriage in Costa Rica persisted for so long requires examining the social and economic forces behind it. Poverty and gender inequality long shaped these early unions. While Costa Rica remains one of the least poor countries in Latin America, poverty rates fluctuated in recent years with national poverty rising from 20% in 2017 to 21.1% in 2018, pushing more than 23,000 households into poverty and more than 12,000 into extreme poverty. In rural and less-affluent parts of Costa Rica, families more often marry off girls at a young age – a pattern that aligns with broader regional trends.

Families withdrew many girls from school: around 70% of married girls aged 15–17 left education entirely, according to UNICEF. These girls often had little say in household decisions, and some believed that wife-beating was justified. Early marriage not only robbed girls of their childhoods but also entrenched cycles of poverty for future generations.

In some Indigenous communities, families consider girls eligible for marriage once they reach puberty. The award-winning film “Defenders of Life” tells the story of Esmeralda, a fictional Ngäbe girl representing this reality. By casting real community members and sparking national debate, the film shows how cultural norms influence early marriage—and how raising awareness can begin to change them.

Legal Reforms Bring Hope

In 2017, Costa Rica passed a law banning marriage under the age of 18 and closed loopholes that previously allowed minors to wed. The Patronato Nacional de la Infancia, UNICEF Costa Rica and local women’s rights groups championed this reform. Since then, Costa Rica sharply reduced registered child marriages. The new law also increased national awareness of children’s rights and gender equality, encouraging families to prioritize education and delay marriage.

Education and Empowerment

Legislation alone cannot end child marriage in Costa Rica. UNICEF Costa Rica and the Ministry of Public Education launched initiatives to keep girls in school and encourage adolescent girls to study science, mathematics and technology. UNICEF partners with civil society and private-sector organizations to amplify the voices of adolescent girls and young women. These programs empower girls to become leaders and changemakers, giving them the skills and platforms to advocate for initiatives that address key issues affecting children, youth and adolescents. By strengthening girls’ confidence and agency, these efforts tackle the root causes of child marriage and help girls shape their own futures.

Persistent Challenges

Despite significant progress, teenage girls still enter informal unions with older men, particularly in rural and Indigenous communities where poverty and cultural traditions remain strong. This includes communities such as the Ngäbe, where families consider girls eligible for marriage once they reach puberty. Persistent child marriage contributes to high teenage pregnancy rates: 16% of all births occur among girls under 18, rising to 27% in rural areas. Costa Rica must strengthen enforcement of existing laws and expand outreach to isolated communities to eliminate the practice completely.

A Model for the Region

Costa Rica’s efforts over the past few years demonstrate that determined action can drive real change and position the country as a model for the region. By combining legal reforms with initiatives that address the root causes of child marriage in Costa Rica – such as improving access to education and strengthening girls’ advocacy skills – the country is beginning to break persistent cycles of poverty and gender inequality. Continued collaboration between the government, NGOs and international partners will sustain this progress. Since 2015, UNAIDS, UN Women, UNICEF and other organizations have worked in a joint initiative to eliminate child marriage, reinforcing government efforts and laying the foundation for a future in which every girl’s rights and opportunities are fully protected. Costa Rica’s success offers a roadmap for neighboring countries facing similar challenges.

“Child marriage and early unions are a violation of human rights. Full Stop,” said Laura Flores, the Permanent Representative of Panama to the United Nations.

– Iona Gethin

Iona is based in Exeter, UK and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr