Early Marriages
Sub-saharan Africa Indicted for Child Marriages
(Unicef)
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On the eve of International Women's Day, the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF)
Wednesday indexed Sub- Saharan Africa and South Asia as regions where
early marriage was particularly prevalent.
Citing a study that shows widespread practices of marrying girls before they
reached age 18, UNICEF called for global efforts to prevent the
phenomenon.
By the findings of the study, two African countries, DR Congo and Niger top
the global chart of countries engaged in the practice, with 74 per cent and
70 per cent rates of early marriages respectively.
Following behind were Afghanistan (54 per cent), Bangladesh (51 per cent),
Honduras (30 per cent) and Iraq with 28 per cent prevalence rate of girls
married at ages 15-19 years.
The report identifies two trends in Africa, where the age at which girls are
married is rising in Kenya, Uganda, Zimbabwe and Senegal while there has
been little change in Cameroon, Cote d'Ivoire, Lesotho, Liberia and Mali.
Even within countries, the study showed disparities in the rate of early
marriages.
In Nigeria, for instance, the study says the average age of marriage in Kebbi
State is just 11 years, compared with the national average of 17.
In explaining major factors underpinning child marriages, the report points to
poverty and the traditional desire to protect girls from out-of-wedlock
pregnancies.
In quite a number of cases, the report finds out that poverty-stricken families
see early marriage as a way to take off their shoulders the responsibility of
brining up girls.
The report argues that early marriage is a violation of a child's basic rights.
Among the implications of the practice, the report noted that early marriage
violates the child's right to personal development and freedom and it also
impacts negatively on her education and health.
As part of the strategy to prevent child marriages, the report recommends
enlightenment of parents and young people about the negative implications
of the practice.