Child Marriage: A Crisis That Steals Futures
Did you know? Over 700 million women worldwide were married before the age of 18. Of these, a staggering one-third were under 15 when they entered into marriage.
“Early marriage is defined as the legal or illegal union between a child under the age of 18 and an adult, often involving harmful consequences like sexual violence and loss of education.”
The Stark Reality of Early Marriage
• Risk of Violence: Women married before 18 are significantly more likely to face domestic violence. Shockingly, 81% experience unwanted sexual violence.
• Impact on Health: Girls married young face life-threatening risks during pregnancy and childbirth, and their babies are less likely to survive or be healthy.
• Lost Opportunities: Early marriage denies girls their right to education, cutting short their dreams and independence.
Why Does Child Marriage Happen?
Poverty:
• Families in developing countries see marriage as a financial solution. Children from poor households are three times more likely to marry early.
Cultural Practices:
• Traditional rituals often perpetuate the practice of marrying off children. These norms pressure families to marry daughters early to maintain “honor.”
Myanmar’s Reality
According to the 2019 census:
• 16% of married women aged 20-24 were married before 18.
• Urban areas: 14.7% of young women married early.
• Rural areas: 17% of young women married early.
• Teenage birth rate: 20.3 children per 1,000 women aged 15-19.
What Can We Do to Stop Child Marriage?
- Community-based paralegals have a vital role in raising awareness. They can educate families about the harmful effects of early marriage and promote alternatives that empower girls.
- By advocating for education, supporting families, and challenging harmful traditions, we can break this cycle and create a brighter future for the next generation.
Join the conversation and make a difference on the M-LEN page today!
Together, we can ensure that every child has the opportunity to dream, learn, and thrive.
