Which Country Has the Lowest Age Requirement?

Marriage is considered a sacred bond between two consenting adults who are emotionally and mentally prepared to take on the responsibilities and challenges that come with it. However, in some parts of the world, marrying at an early age is still prevalent despite being widely condemned and recognized as a violation of human rights. Child marriage is defined as any formal or informal union where one or both parties are under the age of 18. This practice is deeply rooted in cultural, religious, and traditional beliefs and is often perpetuated by poverty and limited access to education, healthcare, and other basic services.

Global Overview

According to UNICEF, approximately 12 million girls under the age of 18 marry each year, which equates to 23 girls every minute. Moreover, one in every five girls worldwide is married before they turn 18, and one in every 30 is married before their 15th birthday. Although child marriage affects both boys and girls, girls are disproportionately affected, accounting for 82% of all cases globally.

Country Comparison

While child marriage is prevalent in several countries across the globe, some nations have particularly low age requirements that allow girls to be married off at a very young age. Here’s a comparison of some of the countries with the lowest age requirement for marriage:

1. Niger: Niger has the highest prevalence of child marriage globally, with 76% of girls married before they turn 18 and 28% before they reach 15 years old. The legal age for marriage in Niger is 15 for girls and 18 for boys.
2. Bangladesh: In Bangladesh, 51% of girls are married before they turn 18, and 18% are married before their 15th birthday. The legal age for marriage is 18 for boys and 18 for girls, but there are legal loopholes that allow girls to get married at a younger age with parental consent.
3. Central African Republic: In the Central African Republic, 68% of girls marry before they turn 18, and 29% do so before they reach 15 years old. The legal age for marriage is 18 for boys and 16 for girls with parental consent.
4. Chad: Chad has one of the highest rates of child marriage globally, with 67% of girls married before they turn 18 and 27% before they reach 15 years old. The legal age for marriage is 18 for boys and 15 for girls.
5. Mali: In Mali, 52% of girls are married before they turn 18, and 12% are married before their 15th birthday. The legal age for marriage is 18 for boys and 16 for girls with parental consent.

Harmful Effects

Child marriage has detrimental effects on the physical, emotional, and psychological well-being of girls. Girls who marry early are more likely to drop out of school and become pregnant before their bodies are adequately developed, leading to complications during childbirth and increased maternal mortality rates. Child brides are also vulnerable to domestic violence, sexual abuse, and social isolation. Additionally, they often lack access to essential healthcare services and suffer from poverty and economic dependency.

Efforts to Combat Child Marriage

Several countries have made significant progress in reducing child marriage through comprehensive strategies that focus on education, advocacy, community mobilization, and legal reforms. For instance, Ethiopia has reduced child marriages by one-third since 2005 by investing in education and creating strict enforcement measures. Bangladesh has also achieved substantial progress by setting up hotlines and safe houses for girls at risk, and India has launched a nationwide campaign to end child marriage.

Conclusion

Child marriage is a global issue that requires sustained efforts from governments, civil society organizations, and communities worldwide. While some countries continue to struggle with high rates of child marriage, others have made significant strides in combating it. However, more needs to be done to address the underlying factors that perpetuate this harmful practice, including poverty, discrimination against girls, and limited access to education and healthcare. By working together, we can ensure that every child has the opportunity to fulfill their potential and lead fulfilling lives free of early marriage.