Child marriage

Child marriage is a practice involving a marriage or domestic partnership. This includes any individual under the age of 18. The partner can be an adult or another child. These partnerships can be formal or informal. This practice is often part of child betrothal. Betrothal is an agreement to marry in the future. It can include civil cohabitation or court approval of the engagement. Today, child marriage is recognized as an international human rights violation. Experts also describe it as a form of child sexual abuse. Some experts even categorize it as torture or cruel treatment.

The consequences of child marriage are often long-term and negative. For child brides, the effects are often very severe. Girls who marry young frequently lose access to education. This can prevent them from finding future career opportunities. They also face adverse health effects from early pregnancy. Childbirth at a young age is a major health risk. Child grooms also face specific challenges. They often deal with the economic pressure of providing for a household. They may also face constraints on their education and careers.

Many complex factors encourage child marriage in different societies. Poverty is one of the most common drivers. Some cultures use a bride price or dowries to arrange unions. Regional customs and cultural traditions also play a role. Social and religious pressures can influence family decisions. Some families fear a child will remain unmarried into adulthood. Illiteracy is another contributing factor. In some areas, there is a perceived inability of women to work. These factors create a cycle that is difficult to break.

History shows that child marriage has been common for many centuries. In ancient societies, it was often the norm. In the Roman Empire, girls were married at age 12. Boys in Rome were married at age 14. In Ancient Israel, fathers held the prerogative to arrange marriages. Many girls there were married before age 15. During the Middle Ages, child marriage was common in Jewish communities. In the 16th century, a girl aged twelve and a half was considered an adult. Even in Europe, historical records show early marriages. For example, Princess Emilia of Saxony was 17 in 1533.

Different religious laws have addressed the age of marriage throughout history. Christian canon law once forbade marriage before puberty. The Catholic Church changed its rules over time. In 1917, the minimum age for a valid marriage was 14 for females. By 1983, this age remained 14 for females and 16 for males. In Hinduism, the Vedas and Smritis provide guidance. Some texts suggest marriage after puberty, while others allow it before. In modern India, the law sets the age at 18 for females and 21 for males. Islamic law discussions often focus on physical and intellectual maturity.

Global statistics show both challenges and progress regarding these rates. In 2018, UNICEF data showed 21% of young women were married as children. This represented a 25% decrease from ten years earlier. However, rates remain very high in certain nations. Between 1998 and 2007, Niger, Chad, and Mali had rates above 50%. In Niger, Chad, and Bangladesh, over 20% of girls were married under age 15. In the United States, child marriage is still legal in 34 states. Between 2000 and 2015, there were over 200,000 marriages of minors in the U.S.

Reducing child marriage requires addressing the root causes in communities. Comprehensive sex education is a tool for prevention. Strengthening education systems in rural areas is also vital. Rural development programs can provide basic infrastructure. This includes healthcare, clean water, and sanitation. These improvements can aid families financially. When families are more stable, the pressure to marry children may decrease. Many organizations work to protect the rights of children globally.