Global Strategies: Tackling Child Marriage Across Different Contexts

Child marriage persists as a global challenge, affecting millions of girls around the world. However, countries have implemented various strategies to address this issue, each tailored to their unique cultural, social, and economic contexts. In this article, we explore international perspectives on tackling child marriage, analyzing successful strategies and the challenges faced in different countries through insightful case studies.

1. Legal Reforms and Enforcement:

Many countries have enacted legal reforms to raise the minimum age of marriage and strengthen penalties for perpetrators of child marriage. For example, in Bangladesh, the Child Marriage Restraint Act was amended in 2017 to increase the minimum age of marriage for girls to 18. Despite legal reforms, challenges persist in enforcement, particularly in rural and remote areas where traditional practices are deeply entrenched. However, proactive measures such as community awareness campaigns and engagement with religious and community leaders have shown promise in changing attitudes and behaviors.

2. Education and Awareness Campaigns:

Education and awareness campaigns play a crucial role in challenging societal norms and empowering girls with knowledge and agency over their bodies and futures. In Nepal, the Girls’ Education Program implemented by the government and NGOs has been successful in increasing girls’ enrollment and retention in schools, thereby reducing the incidence of child marriage. Similarly, the “Let Girls Learn” initiative launched by the United States government emphasizes the importance of education in preventing child marriage and promoting gender equality.

3. Economic Empowerment and Support Services:

Addressing the underlying drivers of child marriage, such as poverty and lack of economic opportunities, requires comprehensive approaches that provide girls and their families with alternatives to early marriage. In Ethiopia, the Berhane Hewan program provides economic incentives and support services to families who agree to delay the marriage of their daughters. By addressing economic vulnerabilities and providing pathways to education and employment, such initiatives contribute to long-term solutions for ending child marriage.

4. Community-Led Interventions and Partnerships:

Community-led interventions and partnerships are essential for driving change at the grassroots level and ensuring that interventions are culturally appropriate and responsive to local needs. In Niger, the Tostan Community Empowerment Program engages communities in dialogue and education on human rights, health, and hygiene, leading to a significant reduction in the prevalence of child marriage. Similarly, partnerships between governments, NGOs, and religious leaders in Indonesia have resulted in the development of religiously sanctioned marriage contracts that require both parties to be of legal age, thereby reducing the incidence of child marriage.

5. Challenges and Areas for Improvement:

Despite progress, challenges remain in the global effort to end child marriage. These include entrenched cultural norms and traditions, limited access to education and healthcare, weak enforcement of laws, and gender inequality. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated vulnerabilities, leading to an increase in child marriage rates in some regions. Addressing these challenges requires sustained political commitment, investment in education and health services, and empowerment of girls and communities.

The fight against child marriage requires multifaceted approaches tailored to the specific contexts and needs of different countries. By learning from successful strategies and addressing challenges collaboratively, we can accelerate progress toward ending child marriage and creating a world where every girl has the opportunity to fulfill her potential. Governments, civil society organizations, and international partners must work together with communities and girls themselves to realize this vision and ensure a brighter future for all.