Every year, millions of girls across the globe are forced to marry men, sometimes two or three times their age. This causes lasting damage to girls, both physically and emotionally.
Often families marry their daughter to older men due to cultural and religious reasons or because of extreme poverty.
They believe that once a girl reaches puberty, it is her role to marry, have children and look after the home.
In over 50% of countries, across Africa, Asia, Latin America and even Europe, there are no minimum ages to get married and there are laws that allow exceptions to marriage laws. Even in Ireland, women can get married at an earlier age than men.
Every single one of these laws goes against basic Human Rights principles, puts children at risk and encourages the belief that Child Marriage is acceptable. It’s not!
women alive today were married as children.
of countries don't have laws banning Child Marriage.
teenagers die yearly due to pregnancy and birth complications.
