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Every 30 seconds -

A girl is married every 30 seconds in countries ranked as fragile, with high child marriage rates. 

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Millions of girls are at risk -

Around 32 million adolescent girls live in these "fragility-child marriage hotspots."

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What are fragile states? -

Fragile states lack governmental control over services like law enforcement, healthcare, and education. These issues, worsened by crises like wars and disasters, drive child marriage rates higher.

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Fragility-child marriage hotspots -

Save the Children's 2024 report reveals that eight out of 10 of the worst fragility-child marriage hotspots are in Africa. The Central African Republic, Chad, and South Sudan are the most affected.

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Around the world -

Outside Africa, countries in South Asia, like Bangladesh and India, and parts of the Middle East, such as Yemen, also report high child marriage rates.

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The link between fragile states and child marriage -

Save the Children found that girls in fragile states are twice as likely to marry before 17 compared to more stable countries.

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Pregnancies in girls -

In fragile countries, one in four girls gives birth before the age of 18. Many lack access to skilled healthcare, leading to increased risks of complications and maternal mortality.

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Rising numbers of fragile countries -

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) reported in 2022 that 60 countries were classified as fragile, up from 57 in 2020. This growing fragility affects 170 million girls, increasing child marriage rates.

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Child marriage in conflict zones -

Countries facing conflict, instability, or climate disasters contribute to a higher prevalence of child marriage. In these fragile states, poverty and insecurity push families to marry off young girls for perceived safety.

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Disrupted education -

Girls who marry early often drop out of school, losing access to education and economic opportunities. This deepens cycles of poverty and limits their ability to make informed decisions.

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Health risks -

Young brides face increased risks of pregnancy-related complications, including higher maternal and infant mortality rates, due to their age and lack of healthcare access.

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Vulnerability to violence -

Child marriage heightens the risk of physical violence and exploitation. Married girls in fragile countries often lack autonomy over their bodies and lives, facing significant challenges and enduring lifelong trauma.

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The role of climate disasters -

Climate-related crises worsen fragility, pushing families into poverty and leading to higher rates of child marriage as families seek financial security through dowries.

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Regional disparities in laws -

While Colombia banned child marriage in 2024, many regions lack enforceable laws, leaving millions of girls in fragile states vulnerable to this harmful practice.

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The global burden of child marriage -

Child marriage remains a global issue, and efforts to reduce it face significant challenges in fragile and conflict-affected regions.

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Impact on future generations -

Child marriage perpetuates poverty across generations. Girls who marry young are less likely to educate their own children, continuing cycles of inequality and limited opportunities.

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Legal loopholes and inaction -

Many countries still allow exceptions to child marriage laws, undermining global progress and leaving millions of girls unprotected.

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Key strategies to ending child marriage -

What are the most effective strategies to end child marriage? Click on to uncover the key solutions that governments and individuals can adopt to eliminate this practice.

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Enforce legal reforms -

Raise the minimum age of marriage to 18 and ensure strict enforcement of laws banning child marriage, with no loopholes or exceptions.

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Improve access to education -

Provide free, quality education for girls, as staying in school is one of the most effective ways to delay marriage and empower young women.

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Promote economic opportunities for families -

Address poverty, a major driver of child marriage, by offering economic incentives, cash transfers, and income-generating programs for families in vulnerable communities.

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Empower girls through awareness -

Educate girls about their rights, reproductive health, and the long-term impacts of child marriage, giving them tools to advocate for themselves and their futures.

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Engage communities in dialogue -

Work with local leaders, religious figures, and community members to challenge traditional norms and practices that perpetuate child marriage.

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Enhance health and social services - Expand access to healthcare, family planning, and counseling services to support girls and families in preventing early marriages and managing crises.

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Strengthen support during crises -

In fragile and conflict-affected regions, prioritize interventions like safe spaces, education programs, and protective measures to shield girls from forced marriages.

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Provide alternative pathways for girls -

Offer vocational training, scholarships, and mentorship programs to give girls alternatives to early marriage and help them envision brighter futures.

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Raise global awareness and advocacy -

Promote international campaigns to highlight the issue, mobilize funding, and encourage governments to take actionable steps against child marriage.

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Monitor and evaluate progress -

Establish systems to track child marriage rates and program effectiveness, ensuring that interventions are impactful.

Sources: (Save The Children) (The Guardian) 

See also: Shocking facts about gender inequality

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