Rates Of Child Marriage Research Articles

Stolen Childhood and Desolate Future: On Child Marriage in the Makawanpur's Chepang Community

Child marriage remains a critical issue not only in Nepal but globally, predominantly affecting South Asia, Africa, and Latin America. In Nepal, the Terai region, rural areas, particularly among economically disadvantaged and Dalit communities, faces alarmingly high rates of child marriage. Main objective of this study is to investigate the causes and consequences of child marriage in the Chepang Community. This phenomenon is driven by poverty, social pressure to maintain ties, and the misconception that it offers protection. ADD Primary data has directly been taken from the Chepang community through interview, and Previous studies, book, articles, bulletin, journal are used as a secondary data. This paper employs qualitative research methods, including semi-structured interviews with twenty households and case studies involving two Chepang women, to explore the causes and consequences of child marriage in the study area. Its consequences are profound, directly impacting girls' health and education. Many girls drop out before completing primary education due to domestic responsibilities like cooking and household chores. Early pregnancies, despite physical immaturity, contribute to high maternal and child mortality rates. The statement effectively highlights the multifaceted issue of child marriage in the Chepang community, touching on key factors such as socio-cultural norms, purity, economic pressures, and educational limitations. It also emphasizes the negative impacts of early marriage on health, education, and economic independence, reinforcing cycles of poverty and gender inequality. The proposed solutions education, legal enforcement, awareness, and promoting gender equality are crucial for addressing this issue. However, a deeper exploration of specific interventions tailored to the Chepang community's context could further strengthen the argument.

The effect of extreme weather events on the frequency of child marriage: A systematic review of the evidence

AbstractChild marriage is considered a human rights violation, and its elimination is an explicit target of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. However, there is growing concern that climate change may be threatening efforts to eliminate child marriage. We conducted a systematic review to synthesise quantitative research on the relationship between climate change and child marriage and assess the risk of bias across these studies. We identified 18 studies from an interdisciplinary range of databases. Several studies found that child marriage was correlated with droughts and floods. However, because of the high risk of bias across studies, differences in the vulnerability of the populations studied, and differences in the definitions of extreme weather used, we are unable to draw broad conclusions about whether extreme weather events increase or decrease the rate of child marriage. We discuss common biases across studies and provide suggestions for improving the strength of evidence on this topic.

Sexual and reproductive health focus group discussions with Syrian men and women living as refugees in the Bekaa Valley, Lebanon

BackgroundConflict in Syria since 2011 led to over one million Syrians fleeing to Lebanon, predominantly from economically disadvantaged areas with low literacy and high child marriage rates. Over 90% live in extreme poverty, in informal tented settlements with minimal access to education, healthcare or employment. Displacement and poverty have further increased early marriages and unplanned pregnancies, and curtailed access to sexual and reproductive healthcare (SRH) in the Bekaa valley. This is exacerbated by increasing rates of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), intimate partner violence and domestic violence.Study designWe aimed to explore SRH beliefs and practices and teach on key SRH topics through focus group discussions (FGD) and questionnaires, co-designed with Syrian practitioners, conducted with Syrian men and women. FGD were recorded, transcribed and thematically analysed. Questionnaires collected demographics and explored SRH beliefs and practices.Findings24 FGD with 203 participants, 72.4% female and 27.6% men. 90.1% participants were married with an average age-gap of 6.3 years between partners. Teenage marriage rates were 55.6% for women, and 47.4% delivered their first child before the age of 20. 43.6% participants were not using any contraception. Findings demonstrate the impacts of SRH cultural norms and changes due to displacement, financial crisis, and increased exposure to technology and NGOs.ConclusionsSRH is multifaceted and contested, requiring systemic improvements in access to care, employment and education. This small but important proof-of-concept study demonstrates the possibility of engaging men and women in SRH discussion; paramount to empowering communities and challenging intergenerational SGBV.

The Role of Stakeholders In Achieving Surabaya Zero Child Marriage By 2024 to Realize Gender Equality

This study aims to analyze and describe the Role of Stakeholders in Realizing Surabaya Zero Child Marriage in 2024 to Achieve Gender Equality. This research uses a descriptive qualitative research design. A collaborative network involving the city government, private sector, NGOs, communities, and religious organizations such as Muslimat NU in the city of Surabaya has shown significant results in suppressing the rate of child marriage. Through effective coordination, fair resource distribution, transparent communication, and continuous program innovation, this network has made substantial progress towards the zero child marriage goal. However, there are still areas that require further attention, especially in terms of improving access to resources and strengthening coordination. By continuing to strengthen collaboration and applying lessons from experiences, Surabaya can achieve the goal of completely abolishing child marriage.

Pencegahan Pernikahan Dini Dan Peningkatan Minat Melanjutkan Pendidikan Berlandaskan Nilai-Nilai Islam

Early marriage and low interest in education are still problems in several areas in Indonesia, including the Central Lombok area with a fairly high rate of child marriage, so it has a big impact on the length of schooling and the quality of education in the area. This service aims to prevent child marriage, increase interest in education and strengthen the younger generation at Al-Hananiyah Islamic Middle School, Bodak Hamlet, Central Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara. This service method is carried out by educating peers by providing education about the dangers of early marriage and the importance of education. The results of the service show an increase in students' knowledge about the dangers of early marriage and the importance of education as well as an increase in students' interest in completing their education. The conclusion in this service shows the importance of education for the younger generation, especially regarding future orientation so that they are not fixated on getting married at a young age which has the potential to cause several problems in the future such as poverty, stunting and low human resources which have an impact on human resource development and sustainable development.

Tuan Guru and the Efforts to Prevent Early Marriage Among Sasak Tribe

Early marriage is still a problem in developing countries, including Indonesia. one of the areas with a high rate of child marriage is West Nusa Tenggara. This study aims to explore the implementation of the Marriage Law Number 16 of 2019 in Rembiga Subdistrict, Mataram City, focusing on the role of Tuan Guru in reducing early marriage cases. While national trends indicate a decline, local data shows a significant increase in early marriage cases, particularly in some Indonesian provinces. The study utilised empirical legal field research and qualitative methods, involving profound observations and interviews with fourteen informants. It identified obstacles in the application of the law, including premarital pregnancy, family conflicts, economic factors, promiscuous behaviour, normative conflicts, and suboptimal socialisation. In this context, Tuan Guru plays a crucial role in fostering understanding and compliance with the law in the Sasak Rembiga community through religious studies and marriage counselling. This strategy highlights the importance of integrating religious, cultural, and legal values to minimise early marriages and calls for cross-sector collaboration for sustained effectiveness.

Social protection as a strategy for HIV prevention, education promotion and child marriage reduction among adolescents: a cross-sectional population-based study in Lesotho

BackgroundLesotho’s government has shown consistent efforts to implement social protection programmes. However, while recent evidence established a positive causal relationship between some of these programmes and food security there is little evidence on the extent to which these initiatives are associated with better educational and sexual and reproductive health outcomes among vulnerable adolescents in Lesotho.Methods and FindingsThe study uses cross-sectional, nationally representative data from the 2018 Lesotho Violence Against Children and Youth Survey. Our research examined the association between social protection receipt and educational and sexual and reproductive health outcomes among adolescents and young people (13–24 years) living in poverty. We employed multivariate logistic regression controlling for age, orphanhood, HIV status and sex. Social protection receipt was defined as household receipt of financial support from a governmental, non-governmental, or community-based program that provides income. Additionally, we fitted a marginal effects model by sex. Among the 3,506 adolescent females and males living in the two lowest poverty quintiles, receipt of social protection was associated with improvements in multiple adolescent outcomes: higher odds of consistent condom use (aOR 1.64, 95% CI 1.17–2.29), educational attainment (aOR 1.79, 95% CI 1.36–2.36), and school enrolment (aOR 2.19, 95% CI 1.44–3.34). Stratified analyses by sex showed that social protection receipt was also associated with reduced likelihood of child marriage among females (aOR 0.59, 95% CI 0.42–0.83) and higher odds of educational attainment and school enrolment among males (aOR 2.53, 95% CI 1.59–4.03 and aOR 3.11, 95% CI 1.56–6.19, respectively).ConclusionsOur study provides evidence that social protection programs are associated with improved educational, sexual and reproductive health and child marriage prevention outcomes among adolescents living in poverty. Implementing and expanding such social protection initiatives could prove instrumental in improving the well-being of vulnerable adolescents.ContributionsSocial protection programs have been increasing in sub-Saharan African countries, playing a pivotal role in poverty reduction, with Lesotho being no exception. Despite the optimistic outlook brought about by the implementation of the National Social Protection Strategy Lesotho I (2014-19) and II (2021–2031), the impact of these programs on some specific outcomes that concern the lives of the most vulnerable adolescents in Lesotho remains to some extent unexplored. Additionally, Lesotho grapples with high rates of HIV, adolescent pregnancy, child marriage and early school dropout, which can further contribute to poor long-term health and social outcomes among adolescents. In this study, we used data from the 2018 Lesotho Violence Against Children and Youth Survey (VACS) to examine the association between receiving social protection and multiple adolescent outcomes: educational, sexual and reproductive. The findings revealed that social protection programs, particularly the existing government-provided cash transfers, are significantly associated with multiple better outcomes among adolescents living in the poorest households in Lesotho. Such cash transfer schemes in Lesotho are associated with improved sexual and reproductive health outcomes for adolescent females, including reduced child marriage rates, and improved educational outcomes for males. These findings indicate that government-led social protection programmes are positively associated with favourable outcomes that can improve the quality of life for adolescents in resource-limited settings.

Realization of the Rights of the Girl Child in Nigeria: Child Marriage in View

Child marriage is a human rights violation that prevents girls from obtaining an education, enjoying optimal haealth, maturing, and ultimately choosing their own life partners. Current studies reveal that Nigeria has one of the highest rates of child marriage in the world. The victims of this inhuman practice are girls. In Nigeria, the practice of child marriage is mostly found in the northern part of the country. In Nigeria, Child marriage is driven by weak legal sanctions against child-marriage, cultural beliefs and traditional practices, religious beliefs, socio-economic challenges, lack of education and empowerment of the girl-child. Child marriage has many effects on the girl child’s health such as increased risk for sexually transmitted diseases (STD), cervical cancer, death during childbirth, and obstetric fistulas. Child marriage also affects the psychological and mental health of the girl child. This paper discusses the factors that engender child marriage in the society, the effects of child marriage on the girl-child, and canvasses that a holistic approach must be taken to curb this menace of child marriage in Nigeria. This involves the law and socio-economic approaches to tackle child marriage. The paper makes several recommendations to prevent child-marriage including, nation-wide adoption and enforcement of the Child Rights Act 2003, criminalization of child marriage and punishment of perpetrators of child-marriage, awareness and enlightenment campaigns on the varied implications of child-marriage, among others.

Association of child marriage and nutritional status of mothers and their under-five children in Bangladesh: a cross-sectional study with a nationally representative sample

BackgroundChild marriage remains an important problem around the world with young mothers and their under-five children often experiencing under-nutrition. The problem is rarely studied in the Bangladeshi population. This paper was designed to identify the association between child marriage and nutritional status of mothers and their under-five children in Bangladesh.MethodsNationally representative secondary data was used for this study, data was extracted from the Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS) 2017–18. The sample consisted of 7235 mothers aged 18–49 years and their under-five children. The mothers were classified into two classes according to their age at first marriage: (i) child marriage (marriage at < 18 years) and (ii) not child marriage (marriage at ≥ 18 years). The nutritional status of mothers was measured by body mass index (BMI), and under-five children’s nutritional status was measured by (i) height-for-age (z-score) (stunting), (ii) weight-for-age (z-score) (underweight), and (iii) weight-for-height (z-score) (wasting). The chi-square test and two-level logistic regression model were used for data analysis using SPSS software (IBM version 20).ResultsThe prevalence of child marriage among Bangladeshi women was 69.0%, with the mean and median of age at the first marriage being 16.57 ± 2.83 years and 16 years, respectively. Of the mothers, 15.2% suffered from chronic energy deficiency (underweight), and 72.8% were married at < 18 years. The prevalence of stunting, underweight, and wasting among under-five children in Bangladesh was 31.0%, 22.0%, and 8.5%, respectively. Compared to women married at the age of ≥ 18 years, there was a significantly higher likelihood of chronic energy deficiency among women who married at < 18 years [Adjusted OR = 1.27, CI: 1.05–1.82; p < 0.05]. Under-five children of mothers married before the age of 18 were more likely to have stunting [Adjusted OR = 1.201, CI: 1.11–1.72; p < 0.05], wasting [Adjusted OR = 1.519, CI: 1.15-2.00; p < 0.01], and underweight [Adjusted OR = 1.150, CI: 1.09–1.82; p < 0.05] compared to children of mothers who married at age ≥ 18.ConclusionThe rate of child marriage among Bangladeshi women is high, and it is significantly associated with malnutrition among mothers and their under-five children. The Bangladesh government can use the findings of this study to prevent and reduce child marriage and malnutrition among mothers and their under-five children to achieve sustainable development goals by 2030.

Climate Change and Child Marriage: Evidence from Bangladesh

This paper examines the effects of environmental vulnerability on the risk of child marriage in Bangladesh. Community vulnerability measures are constructed for 240 rural communities in eight districts according to the presence of three indicators of environmental vulnerability—history of cyclones, flooding, and waterlogging. Community data are linked to individual-level adolescent survey data from a representative sample of 15,000 adolescent girls in those communities. Types of environmental vulnerability and the effect on adolescent girls’ marriage outcomes have been explored using discrete time survival analysis. Results show that coastal communities with prolonged waterlogging and salinity have significantly higher child marriage rates, and there is no evidence of higher risks of child marriage in flood-affected areas. The paper concludes that slow and rapid onset events vary in their impact on child marriage. It is important to distinguish between rapid onset factors, such as floods and cyclones, and slow and less dramatically visible factors, such as waterlogging, that affect marriage through longer-term impacts on lives and livelihoods. Programs need to cast a wider net to safeguard girls living in the communities not only where immediate and sudden environmental emergencies have occurred but also in the areas where climate-induced disasters may not seem very visible but have slow, cascading effects and pose a risk for child marriage.

Upaya Kampanye Save The Children dalam Menangani Masalah Pernikahan Anak di Bangladesh Tahun 2020-2023

The issue of child marriage is a socio-economic problem that has existed for a long time in Bangladesh. Due to factors such as the economic crisis and prolonged school closures, the number of child marriage cases in Bangladesh has increased during the pandemic. The existing legal framework also cannot slow down the child marriage rates in Bangladesh. So this research tries to explain the efforts of Save The Childrenas an international non-governmental organization in dealing with the problem of child marriage in Bangladesh. This research explains how the Save The Childrencampaign is trying to deal with the problem of child marriage in Bangladesh in 2020-2023. The theory explained in this research is Brown's theory of international organizational campaign efforts. The research method uses qualitative data analysis techniques with descriptive research type. Primary data collection techniques from interviews with Rahamat Ullah from Save The Childrenin Bangladesh regarding the research topic. Research findings show that the Save The Childrencampaign's efforts to address the problem of child marriage are realized in the form of online campaigns via social media and offline campaigns. Apart from that, Save The Childrenalso emphasizes children's participation in campaign efforts to address child marriage in Bangladesh.

‘We did not want to marry then, but’: understanding early marriage among Muslims in the context of the ‘Kerala model’ of development

Kerala, the Indian state with the highest reported level of social development, faces a challenge with persistent early marriage, particularly among Muslims in Malappuram. This study explores the sociocultural factors influencing this situation, in which child marriage rates among Muslims are significantly higher than those of Hindus and Christians. Employing a qualitative research strategy within a specific Malappuram mahallu, a Muslim-majority village cluster encompassing three villages, we identify a multifaceted interplay of micro and macro forces perpetuating early marriage. Lack of social networks, stemming from limited higher education options and career opportunities, restricts girls’ choices and makes them susceptible to parental pressure to marry early. Parents, on the other hand, often view early marriage as an appropriate solution to their anxieties concerning parental responsibility, dowry and family honour. This pressure is amplified by the narrative promoted by religious leaders who portray early marriage as the ideal path. This narrative, in turn, resonates with a subset of young men, particularly temporary Gulf migrants who prefer to marry adolescent girls, thereby perpetuating the cycle. We also argue that, unlike most regions in India, poverty and illiteracy are not the primary drivers of early marriage among Muslims in Malappuram.

Child marriage and displacement: A qualitative study of displaced and host populations in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq

Abstract Though displaced populations face exacerbated challenges that are associated with increased rates of child marriage, little research has elucidated the reasons behind such phenomena. The present study qualitatively explores the drivers and consequences of child marriage among Syrian refugee, Iraqi internally displaced, and host communities in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Specifically, it explores how vulnerabilities in displaced groups impact child marriage decision-making and how the host communities respond to and interact with shifting child marriage customs. Qualitative results demonstrated how child marriage drivers intersect on socioecological levels with a prominent undercurrent of gender inequality that affects marriage expectations. Though participants discussed similar drivers and consequences of child marriage, there was discordance in how those drivers influence child marriage in displaced and host populations. Integration of humanitarian sectors around prevention of child marriage, along with support for married girls, is necessary considering the current context of protracted displacement in the region.

Occurrences and characteristics of forced marriages among girls married before the age of 16 in a Northern Nigerian State

Abstract Background: Child marriage is deeply ingrained in Nigerian tradition, culture, and religion, and the country has one of the highest rates of child marriage globally. The objective of this study was to examine the occurrence and characteristics of coerced marriages among girls married before turning 16 in Borno, Nigeria. It perceives premarital unions as a substantial violation of human rights, particularly affecting the independence of adolescent girls. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study took place in three local government areas (LGAs) situated in Borno, Nigeria, namely Konduga, Jere, and Maiduguri Metropolitan City LGAs. Structured questionnaires were distributed to 210 female participants aged between 15 and 49, who were married before reaching 16, from 1989 to 2019, to gather data. Data analysis was done using IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 25.0, headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, United States. Results: The incidence of forced marriage among girls under 16 years old was recorded at 23.8%, notably higher during the period spanning from 1980 to 1989 at 37.5%. Among respondents currently married, approximately one-fifth (23.1%) disclosed being coerced into marriage. A higher proportion underwent forced marriage during the ages of 9–12 years, accounting for 33.3%. Moreover, a considerable portion of respondents with no formal education (28.6%) and those who attended Qur’anic schools (25.5%) were compelled into marriage. The prevalence of fistula among girls married early stood at 8.6%, with 10.6% among those not subjected to forced marriage and 2.0% among girls who were coerced. Among early married girls, 20.5% reported facing ill-treatment from their spouses, with a higher proportion (30.0%) among those coerced into marriage compared to those not coerced (17.5%). Additionally, gender-based violence from family members was notably more prevalent among girls forced into marriage (32.0%), with a significance level of P &lt; 0.05. Conclusion: Efforts directed toward reducing the prevalence of girl-child marriage in Nigeria should focus on tackling entrenched cultural norms that differ among ethnic groups and religious beliefs. The public health implications encompass gender-based violence, abuse, and the breakdown of marriages.

Long-term impacts of a cash plus program on marriage, fertility, and education after six years in pastoralist Kenya: A cluster randomized trial

BackgroundPreventing early marriage by increasing girls education has shown promise. We assessed the effects of a two-year cash plus program on marriage and fertility in a pastoralist setting in Northeastern Kenya, six years after it began. MethodsA prospective 80-cluster randomized trial followed 2,147 girls 11–14 years old starting in 2015, re-interviewing 94.2% in 2021. Interventions included community dialogues (violence prevention), a conditional cash transfer (education), health and life skills training (health), and financial literacy (wealth creation). Villages were randomized to one of four study arms: (1) violence prevention only (V-only); (2) + education (VE); (3) + health (VEH); or (4) + wealth creation (VEHW). We used analysis of covariance to estimate intent-to-treat impacts of each study arm with an education component, as well as a pooled (weighted average) study arm combining VE, VEH and VEHW, in reference to V-only, four years after the intervention ended when girls were 17–20 years old. FindingsBase specification estimates show reductions in the primary outcomes, though none statistically significant in the full sample. Estimates with extended controls are larger and the pooled study arm had significantly lower marriage and pregnancy. There are considerably larger statistically significant effects for the baseline out-ofschool subsample. Pooled estimates indicate 18.2 percentage point lower marriage compared to V-only and 15.1 percentage point lower pregnancy. For the same group pooled estimates indicate a 27.9 percentage point increase in current enrollment (compared to 7.1% in V-only) and a 1.8 grades increase (compared to 1.2 in V-only). ConclusionThis study shows the potential for interventions in early adolescence with an education component to delay marriage and fertility into late adolescence and early adulthood in a marginalized and socially conservative setting with low education and high rates of child marriage.

Are You Ready to Marry? Describing Marital Readiness among Marriage Dispensation Applicants

Child marriage harms various aspects of children's growth and development as well as social impacts. However, conditions in society still show a high rate of child marriage. In Malang Regency, throughout 2022 the number of marriage dispensation applications reached 1,434 cases. This research aims to determine the marital readiness of children of marriage dispensation applicants at the Malang Regency Religious Court between January and December 2023. The sampling technique used was total sampling with the criteria of children of marriage dispensation applicants attending premarital counseling at the Pojok Konseling of the Malang Regency Religious Court. The instrument used were the Marriage Readiness Scale and interview. From 1009 respondents (15% men and 85% women), data was obtained that the marital readiness of the respondents was in the high category 27%, medium 27%, and low 46\%. This marital readiness assessment result is one of the bases for recommending judges to grant or reject requests for marriage dispensation.

Cost of mate choice: Changing patterns of global age disparity in marriage and their consequences to women's health including maternal mortality and menopause.

Consistent across cultures and throughout time is the male preference for younger females. Given its prevalence, the mate choice theory proposes that age-disparate relationships may have contributed to the evolution of maternal mortality and menopause. The objective is to document evidence for age disparity in marriage from past and present populations and evaluate their relevance to maternal mortality and menopause. Cross-sectional data were collected from various regions and time points, ranging from the Roman era to the current decade. To analyze both the age disparity in marriage and age at marriage, data were collected from Ancestry.ca for Quebec, Massachusetts, India, South Africa, and England and Wales. Additional data were taken from the United Nations as a more recent and comprehensive source. To analyze the relationships between age disparity in marriage and different social factors, data on gross domestic product, maternal mortality rates, fertility, primary school enrollment, child marriage rates, and percentage of women in the total labor force were collected from the World Health Organization, World Bank, and United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund. The results showed that males were significantly older than females at first marriage in all populations and time frames sampled, supporting the assumption underlying the mate choice theory. Maternal mortality rates were strongly associated with age-disparate relationships, increasing by 275 per 100,000 live births for each additional year in the age disparity. The results from this study provide support for the assumption underlying the mate choice theory of maternal mortality and menopause.

Child Marriage: An Exploratory Study in Aik Mual, West Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara

West Nusa Tenggara (WNT) is one of the Indonesian provinces suffering a high rate of child marriage. According to data from the Ministry of Religion's Regional Office for WNT Province, West Lombok Regency (Praya), in 2020, there were 135 marriage dispensation applications. Furthermore, data from the Praya Religious Court indicates 136 child marriages from February to June 2021. The significant prevalence of the case has influenced the local community's social, economic, and educational status. Based on these factors, this exploratory qualitative study attempts to investigate the phenomenon of child marriage in Aik Mual, East Sekotong Village, Lembar District, West Lombok Regency, WNT. The findings of this study imply that several variables, including the economy, a lack of education, and the Merariq Kodeq custom, drive child marriage. To reduce the number of cases, the local government implements various policies and programs concerning women's empowerment and child protection, ultimately changing people's perceptions of options for children other than marriage at an early age.

SNOWBALL-THROWING METHOD EDUCATION INCREASES THE KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDES OF ADOLESCENTS ABOUT THE MATURATION OF MARRIAGE AGE (PUP)

Background: Maturation of Marital Age is an effort to raise the age of child marriage. The number of underage marriages results in rapid population development, high maternal and infant mortality rates, low maternal and child health, families are often not harmonious, domestic violence occurs, and is prone to divorce. The rate of child marriage in Central Sulawesi is very high, one of which is in Donggala district. Donggala Regency ranks 3rd with 196 child marriages in 2022. A contributing factor is the lack of knowledge and attitudes of adolescents about maturing marriage age. The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of snowball throwing method counseling on the management and attitudes of adolescents about the maturation of marriage age at SMKS Al-Amin Wani Method: The pre-experimental research with one group pretest-posttest design was conducted from April 14 to May 20, 2023, at SMKS Al-Amin Wani. Proportional stratified random sampling technique of 75 respondents. Analyzes data through the Wilcoxon test. Result: 31 respondents (41.3%) is 16 years old, 55 respondents (73.3%) is female. the most dominant knowledge was in a good category, 75 respondents (100%). Average increase in knowledge and attitude score of 38.00 and p-value of 0.000. Conclusion: Education on snowball throwing method can improve teenagers' knowledge and attitudes about marriage-age maturity at SMKS Al-Amin Wani.

The Controversy on the Minimum Age for Marriage in Indonesia: Factors and Implications

In 2019, Indonesia redefined the minimum age limit for marriage with the aim of achieving gender equality and reducing child marriage rates. Unfortunately, this legal reform did not entirely succeed and, instead, created a paradox within Indonesian society. This study aims to investigate the controversy surrounding the minimum age for marriage as stipulated in Indonesian Marriage Laws. The paper employs a socio-legal approach, collecting data through legal material investigation and interviews. The research indicates that the reformation attempt brings about at least three undesired implications: an increase in the number of marriage dispensations, child marriages, and pre-marital pregnancies. These paradoxes appear to be influenced by several factors: (1) the public's minimal awareness of the current marriage law, (2) the lack of socialization from government bodies, and (3) regulatory inconsistency itself. Theoretically, instead of resolving issues within society, it turns out that the legal changes initiated by the state do not significantly trigger changes within society.