Child Marriage in Villages: Misuse of Ijbār, Structural Discrimination, and Best Interest of the Child Dismissal

Despite national legal reforms aimed at curbing child marriage, the practice remains prevalent in Indonesia’s coastal Muslim communities. This study explores the socio-legal dynamics underpinning early marriage in South Minahasa, North Sulawesi, by examining the interaction between Islamic jurisprudence, customary norms, and formal state law. Using a qualitative socio-legal approach, data were collected through in-depth interviews with religious leaders, adat authorities, legal practitioners, affected families, court documents, and field observations. Findings reveal that dominant interpretations of classical Islamic law particularly the emphasis on biological maturity (baligh) as a prerequisite for marriage legitimize child marriage at the grassroots level, often reinforced by socio-economic pressures and honor-based cultural expectations. Moreover, legal instruments such as marriage dispensation and unregistered (siri) marriages are widely used to bypass formal legal constraints. This plural legal reality places religious courts in a normative dilemma between enforcing state law and accommodating communal values. The study argues that preventing child marriage requires not only statutory enforcement but also culturally sensitive engagement with religious authorities, community-based legal education, and a reinterpretation of Islamic norms through the lens of maqāṣid al-sharī‘ah (higher objectives of Islamic law). These findings contribute to broader global discussions on legal pluralism, human rights, and the role of faith-based norms in shaping family law and child protection policies.

Early marriage is a form of violation of child rights to grow and develop. The Sustainable Development Goals had included early marriage in target 5.3, aiming to eliminate by 2030. This study examines the socio-demographic factors associated with women's early marriage in Bangladesh, Ghana, and Iraq using information extracted from 2019, 2017–2018, and 2018 Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICSs) of Bangladesh, Ghana, and Iraq, respectively. The chi-square test examined the association between socio-demographic factors and early marriage separately in all three countries. In logistic regression, key factors were primarily evaluated for determining effects on early marriage separately in all three countries. The mean age of the mother at first marriage was found to be 16.86, 20.23, and 20.05 years in Bangladesh, Ghana, and Iraq successively. According to surveys conducted in Bangladesh, Ghana, and Iraq, education levels of household heads and women, wealth status, mass media, number of household members, and residence were significant factors linked to early marriage. The odds of getting married early were significantly higher among women with no formal education and primary education than women with secondary or higher education in all three countries. In terms of economic status, a negative association was found between wealth status and early marriage in both Bangladesh and Ghana. Based on the findings, the study recommended that government take the necessary steps to reduce child marriage in all three countries by raising women's education and campaigning women by media to harmful effects of early marriage, particularly women from low-income families.

Ending child marriage: ensuring healthy futures for girls

Early Marriage and Its Effects on Girls' Education in Rural Ethiopia: The Case of Mecha Woreda in West Gojjam, North-Western Ethiopia

This research is entitled "Efforts to Prevent Increased Early Marriage During the Covid-19 Pandemic Ngetos Village, Ngetos District". Researchers are interested in bringing up this theme because of the phenomenon that exists in society regarding early marriage which often occurs among teenagers in the Ngetos Village community, Ngetos District. This research method uses descriptive qualitative method. Data collection is done by interview, observation, and documentation. The purpose of this study is to provide information, understanding to the public regarding the impact of early marriage and provide efforts to prevent early marriage during the COVID-19 pandemic. The negative impact of early marriage is more dominant than the positive impact. Because the risk of early childhood marriage has a negative impact on adolescents and when living a family life. The negative impact of early marriage is that it can have an impact on maternal health, low education of perpetrators of early marriage, experiencing divorce, poverty. Several factors or causes of early childhood marriage include: economy, education. Efforts that can prevent an increase in early childhood marriage during the COVID-19 pandemic are empowering children with information, educating and providing insight to parents to create a good environment, improving the quality of formal education for children, educating children regarding health and reproduction.

Early marriage, deeply ingrained in cultural and religious traditions like Islam, profoundly influences individuals' future perspectives. This paper delves into early marriage within Islamic law's framework, examining its ramifications on individuals' outlooks. Drawing from Islamic jurisprudence, sociological insights, and psychological perspectives, the study scrutinizes early marriage's legal, social, and psychological dimensions. While Islam sanctifies marriage, it also underscores maturity and readiness, often at odds with prevalent early marriage customs. This practice poses multifaceted implications. Legally, it raises concerns about consent and well-being, especially when parties lack full maturity. Socially, early marriage curtails educational and economic opportunities, hindering future planning and goal pursuit. Psychologically, it induces stress and coping challenges with adult responsibilities prematurely. Additionally, early marriage affects broader societal aspects like population growth and gender equality. Addressing this issue necessitates a holistic approach integrating legal reforms, educational programs, and community support to safeguard vulnerable groups, notably girls and young women. By scrutinizing the legal, social, and psychological facets of early marriage, this paper seeks to inform interventions aligning with Islamic principles and universal human rights, promoting individuals' protection and empowerment.

Early marriage (EM), also known as child marriage, is a marriage or union between two people when one or both are under 18. Globally, risk factors for EM and the consequences on depressive symptoms (DSs) have been poorly understood. The current study aimed to investigate risk factors for EM and the correlation between EM and DSs. A total of 402 married people were randomly selected from the general population of Malekan County, Iran, from 2017 to 2018. Depression was assessed in the participants after EM through family physicians' medical records in the community health centers. Data were collected using valid and structured instruments as well as face-to-face interviews. Multiple logistic regression analysis was carried out to estimate the adjusted odds ratios (AOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the relationship between EM and DSs. The overall and sex-based prevalence of EM was 21.64% (n = 87), i.e., 69 (26.5%) in females and 19 (13.4%) in males, respectively. In the regression analysis, the low educational level of EM people (AOR = 4.27: 1.28-14.35), their parental (AOR = 5.53: 2.14-17.22), female sex (AOR = 1.58: 1.07-2.33), and family low income (AOR = 2.74: 1.00-7.84), and being a housewife (AOR = 1.71: 1.22-3.26) were identified as the most reliable predictors of EM. In the final analysis, after adjusting for the potential confounders, EM was associated with an increased risk of DSs (AOR = 1.60: 1.2-2.72). Based on the results, EM is common and associated with DSs in this county. Our study provides preliminary findings to guide future studies, given that this issue has been neglected in previous investigations. Progress in reducing EM and addressing its full set of consequences can occur through political commitment and combining the experiences and voices of people affected by EM.

Child marriage in Indonesia is a multifaceted issue, encompassing religious interpretations, cultural values, and even the influence of technological advancement. A significant factor is the amendment of Indonesian marriage law, which include Article 7, empowering judges to grant marriage dispensation. While this is viewed by some as a solution and a means of child protection through religious and cultural lenses, others see it as a perpetuation of child marriage, contradicting both child protection and marriage laws. This research aims to examine the impact of marriage law in Indonesia, specifically regarding age restrictions and its close association with marriage dispensations in religious courts. Critics argue that this provision has led to an increase in child marriages, with a multitude of biological, physiological, and sociological implications. This study employs normative legal research, incorporating legal, conceptual, and comparative approaches through case analysis and juridical methods. The findings indicate that Marriage Law No. 1 of 1974, along with its amendment—Law No. 16 of 2019, are legally inconsistent with Law No. 23 Year 2002 on child protection. Therefore, legal reform is recommended to raise the marriage age to 21, aligning with biological, psychological, and sociological definitions of adulthood.

Despite national priorities, legal reforms, and increased investment in interventions, child marriage (CM) remains a significant public health risk, leading to violence, intergenerational nutritional depletion, and poor health outcomes in Bangladesh. Using the social-ecological model (SEM), this iterative qualitative study aimed to understand the drivers of CM at the individual, familial, social/community, and institutional levels to inform policy and programs. A total of 29 focus group discussions (with community members, married and unmarried adolescent girls, and their parents and grandmothers), 44 in-depth interviews (with married and unmarried adolescent girls, and their parents), and 10 key informants' interviews (influential community leaders) were conducted. Findings were drawn through thematic analysis employing both inductive and deductive coding. Identified CM drivers are aligned with the SEM framework. Girls' agency, collective efficacy, self-initiated marriage, and educational performance were individual-level drivers. Family-associated drivers were household poverty, parents' lack of awareness, and intra-household gendered preferences. Social/community drivers include norms about the "ideal" bride, girls' readiness for marriage, control over girls' sexuality and mobility, fear of violence, family honor, and religious norms. Weak enforcement to prevent CM, limited opportunities for girls, ecological conditions, and long school closures during COVID-19 were key institutional drivers. Findings suggest CM drivers are interconnected across levels of the SEM, implying the need for multi-level interventions. Coordinated efforts to reduce CM may include addressing the harmful CM norms and systemic factors leading to CM, raising community awareness about the adverse outcomes of CM, and offering poverty alleviation and economic opportunities for girls.

India grapples with its child marriage challenge

Child marriage is a blazing global issue influenced by gender inequity, poverty, social norms, and insecurity. It has disastrous social, economic, and health-related consequences. Bangladesh ranks among the top ten countries in terms of child marriage, and rural girls are the most vulnerable group to it. Our study aimed to assess and compare the perception of rural adolescents and parents regarding child marriage, as well as focusing on the key factors governing such perception of the participants. This community-based cross-sectional study randomly selected four unions of Dhamrai upazila (Sub-district) under the Dhaka district as study areas. The study recruited 1030 participants (515 adolescents and 515 parents) from 515 rural households using a systematic random sampling method and specific selection criteria. Data enumerators collected data through face-to-face interviews using a pretested semi-structured questionnaire and obtained informed written consent from parents and assent from adolescents. The study assessed perception related to child marriage by 25 statements formulated based on expert opinions. These statements were further organized into four domains- social, economic, psychological, and environmental through thematic analysis. We categorized the perception as "support" and "do not support" child marriage using a scoring system ranging from 0 to 25, based on the responses to 25 statements by a two-level Likert scale. Participants who obtained scores of ≥80% were considered not to support child marriage. The current study revealed that 25.8% of adolescents and 27.0% of parents supported child marriage. Participants lacking formal schooling were 3 times (AOR 3.00; 95% CI 1.27-7.09, p = 0.01) and participants with primary level education were 2.69 times (AOR 2.69; 95% CI 1.27-7.09, p = 0.01) more likely to support child marriage compared to participants with at least higher secondary level of education. Parents and adolescents did not differ significantly (p < 0.05) in total and domain-specific perception scores. However, substantial differences existed in various statements across the domains, and maximum disagreement was found in the environmental domain. Supportive perception toward child marriage still exists in rural Bangladesh, and it is more prevalent among people with less or no formal education. Despite exceptions, both groups had overall similar perceptions regarding child marriage. Exploration of factors favoring support for child marriage and designing educational as well as community-based interventions specific and suitable to adolescents and parents is crucial to improve perception regarding child marriage.

This research explore the complex dynamics of early marriages and divorce in Khatiamari Village, Bogura, Bangladesh, aiming to shed light on the underlying factors and implications of these practices. The objectives of the study were twofold: first, to investigate the socio-cultural factors that contribute to the prevalence of early marriages in the community, and second, to examine the impact of early marriages on marital stability. The study employed in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with community members particularly those who experienced early marriage and divorced to collect comprehensive insights. Khatiamari Village was selected due to its high divorce rate, making it an intriguing subject for investigation. The study found that poverty and economic insecurity significantly influence parents’ decisions to arrange early marriages for their children. They perceived early marriage as a means to alleviate financial burdens and secure economic stability for their daughters, perpetuating a cycle of inequality and hindering progress in disadvantaged areas. Economic hardships and traditional gender role expectations within early marriages also strain relationships, affecting overall marital stability and well-being. The implications of early marriages were far-reaching, with young couples facing challenges such as emotional immaturity, limited life experience, and inadequate coping skills, leading to unresolved issues and potential divorce. Additionally, early marriages often resulting adverse health outcomes for young girls who became mothers at an early age, further exacerbating the cycle of poverty. The study underscored the urgent need for comprehensive interventions that prioritize education, vocational training, and sustainable livelihood programs to empower women and break the cycle of poverty. This research sheds light on early marriages and increasing divorce rates in Khatiamari Village and similar areas. It emphasizes the need for sustainable solutions to foster a healthier, more inclusive community, enabling individuals to thrive and make positive contributions to their families and society.

The study assesses the effectiveness of multi-sectoral strategies aimed at ending child marriage in Kogi State, Nigeria. Utilizing both primary and secondary data, the study synthesized government policy frameworks, international reports, academic literature, and qualitative data from key stakeholders, including adolescent girls, community leaders, educators, and policymakers. Data collection involved purposive sampling, with in-depth interviews and focus group discussions analyzed thematically using NVivo 8.0. Findings reveal that several initiatives have yielded positive outcomes. Health-focused programmes such as the Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health Week (MNCHW) expanded access to essential services in underserved communities, indirectly addressing child marriage drivers. Capacity-building initiatives, free medical testing, and life skills education, particularly under the Participation Initiative for Behavioural Change in Development (PIBCID), enhanced women’s health literacy and autonomy. Educational interventions like the Girl-Child Education Support Programme (GCESP) improved school enrollment through scholarships, delaying early marriage among beneficiaries. Legal reforms such as the enactment of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law and the establishment of specialized courts have strengthened the legal framework against child marriage, while community-based awareness campaigns have improved rights literacy and social support for girls’ education. Cultural practices, such as the Ovia-Osese Festival, were also observed to reinforce norms that discourage early marriage, though concerns around human rights compliance were noted. Despite progress, challenges persist, including sustainability of programmes, funding limitations, inadequate infrastructure, cultural resistance, and uneven enforcement of laws in rural areas. The study underscores the need for sustained, context-sensitive, and scalable interventions that address the socio-cultural and economic root causes of child marriage. Strengthening cross-sector collaboration and ensuring community ownership are essential to achieving long-term impact. Keywords: Child Marriage, Kogi State, Intervention, Impact, Challenges

Child marriage has a variety of undesirable consequences at the peril of women’s health and autonomy. In this study, we examined the association between child marriage and sexual autonomy among women in sub-Saharan Africa. We utilised data from the most recent Demographic and Health Surveys conducted in 31 countries in sub-Saharan Africa between 2010 and 2019. A total of 218,578 women aged 20–49 were included in this study. Multivariable binary logistic regression models were used to show the association between child marriage and sexual autonomy. Crude odds ratio (cOR) and adjusted odds ratio (aOR) were used in presenting the results. The prevalence of child marriage and sexual autonomy was 44.51% and 83.35%, respectively. Compared to women who married at 18 years or above, those who married at less than 18 were less likely to have sexual autonomy, and this persisted after controlling for important covariates. In terms of the country-specific results, women who experienced child marriage were less likely to have sexual autonomy in Burundi, Congo DR, Nigeria, and Niger. With the covariates, lower odds of sexual autonomy were found among women with no formal education, those whose partners had no formal education, those who were not exposed to media, and non-working women. Child marriage was found to be associated with sexual autonomy. There is a need to strengthen policies and programmes such as compulsory basic education, poverty alleviation, and an increase in access to media that aim at reducing child marriage. These interventions will help to improve sexual autonomy among women, especially in this 21st century where individuals and organisations incessantly advocate for gender equality.

Sudan is the only country in North Africa that is yet to reform its family law embodied by the Personal Status Act for Muslims of 1991. This law legalises child marriage, contradicts the National Child Act of 2010 that outlaws child marriage. This study aimed to understand how the pluralistic legal system in Sudan affects the occurrence and circumstances of child marriage in Kassala State in the context of the current war, to inform future advocacy efforts to ban child marriage. Thirteen key informants were interviewed in Kassala state and at the national level, complemented by one focus group discussion (FGD) at national level. In Kassala state, seven FGDs and eight in-depth interviews were held with young people who married as children and with parents whose children married under 18 years. Data were transcribed and coded, after which thematic analysis was undertaken. The findings affirm that child marriage is a commonplace practice, often justified by religion, driven by financial incentives and the on-going war. The closure of schools since 2023, abuses of girls by armed forces, and growing financial precarity are prompting parents to marry their daughters early. Community informants displayed a lack of awareness regarding the laws around child marriage and the legal minimum age of marriage. Contradictions between the laws create confusion and leave room for different interpretations, which are influenced by religion and social norms, further complicating the legal landscape. Although mazons (local marriage registrars) are mandated to follow civil law, they officiate underage marriages to conform to ‘local culture’, due to parental pressure, or because of false age certificates presented by families. Previous legal reform efforts failed to create consensus among religious hardliners and activists. Sudan’s pluralistic legal system has institutionalised gender inequality and legitimised the culturally accepted practice of child marriage. A future post-war recovery period might provide a window of opportunity for law reform. Sudan could build on successful strategies used by neighbouring countries to reform the family law. Policy and legal reform need to be accompanied by broader social and economic change, including advances in gender equality, to address child marriage in Sudan.