Child marriage is a persistent problem in developing countries, with millions of girls around the world being married off before the age of 18. This practice has devastating consequences on the health, education, and wellbeing of girls, and perpetuates cycles of poverty and inequality. Ending child marriage requires a collective effort from communities, governments, and international organizations. As the saying goes, it takes a village to raise a child – and it takes a village to end child marriage. In this article, we will explore the different actors and strategies needed to tackle this issue, and how concerted efforts can make a difference in the lives of millions of young girls.
Child marriage is a pervasive problem in many countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. According to studies, girls as young as 10 are forced to marry older men, often against their will, and are expected to bear children and perform household chores. Child marriage is an intractable challenge due to the socio-cultural and economic factors that support it. However, there are policies and programs targeted at giving equal opportunities to young women to bridge the inequality gap while other programs have focused on changing the social norms surrounding child marriage.
Unfortunately, these programs do not always work. A study highlighted that increased opportunities for girls in Malawi has not translated into a reduction in child marriages. Data on child marriage is limited, especially during COVID-19, although UNICEF reports show that young girls from Ethiopia, Mozambique, Uganda, and Zambia were at risk of child marriage during the pandemic. This lack of data makes it difficult to predict whether countries have experienced a reduction in the practice. While some countries have taken steps to prevent child marriage during the pandemic, the long-term impact of the pandemic on child marriage rates is still unclear. There is evidence to suggest that child marriage rates may have increased during the pandemic due to the economic instability that resulted from the global crisis.
Schools can play a significant role in reducing child marriage in Africa. The closure of schools during the pandemic contributed to an increase in child marriage rates, as schools can be a source of supervision and protection for young women from their families and communities who may be forcing them into unions. Schools can also provide information about girls’ rights and opportunities, which may help them advocate for themselves. Additionally, school can provide a safe and supportive environment for young women that is free from discrimination, harassment, and violence.
Flexible education options to accommodate girls who have married or who are at risk of marriage can also help. Providing part-time or evening classes for young women can enable them to balance their domestic responsibilities with their education. Getting girls back to school post-pandemic can focus on raising awareness about the dangers of child marriage among families and in communities, with a specific focus on religious leaders.
Religious leaders have a crucial role in preventing child marriage by influencing attitudes and behaviors within their communities. They can use their teachings to emphasize the importance of respecting girls’ autonomy and their right to education, health, and a safe childhood. They could use religious and cultural values to promote the idea that education and the well-being of girls are important and frame their messages in ways that resonate with community members, emphasizing the importance of protecting girls from harm. Faith leaders could foster alliances and partnerships with the government, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders because of their position in African societies.
In conclusion, child marriage is a devastating problem that requires multi-sectoral strategies and partnerships to address. Schools and religious leaders can play an essential role in reducing child marriage rates by creating supportive environments for young women to thrive. Programs that give equal opportunities to young women to bridge the inequality gap and that focus on changing the social norms surrounding child marriage are crucial in ending the practice. It’s crucial to raise awareness about this issue and work towards ending the various factors associated with child marriage.
