For many people, getting married is a joyous occasion filled with excitement and anticipation. However, for millions of girls and women around the world, their wedding day is not a celebration, but rather a harsh reality that marks the end of their childhood. According to UNICEF, over 700 million women alive today were married as children, with more than one in three being married before the age of 15.
This alarming statistic is not limited to one or two small regions, but rather affects countries across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. The consequences of child marriage are devastating. Child brides are at risk of rape, violence, abuse, and exploitation. They are more likely to be out of school, experience domestic violence, become infected with HIV/AIDS, have children when they themselves are still children, and die due to complications during pregnancy and childbirth.
Despite the recent attention given to child marriage through social experiments and mainstream media, it is essential that we continue to shed light on this critical issue today, on International Women’s Day, UNICEF and UNFPA launch their joint Global Program to Accelerate Action Against Child Marriage. To mark this occasion, I would like to share the stories of real girls who became child brides.
As you plan your wedding or celebrate with loved ones, remember that there are millions of girls around the world who are not as fortunate. They deserve our support and advocacy in their fight against child marriage.
Bangladesh: Rina Begum’s Story
Rina Begum’s story is a stark reminder of the harsh realities faced by many girls in Bangladesh. At just 14 years old, she was taken out of school and forced into an early marriage. Her education, which had reached as high as Grade 6, was abruptly cut short. Despite this, Rina found herself in an abusive relationship with her husband, who has since sent her back to her parents. The reason for his actions is that he hopes to secure additional dowry from Rina’s family.
This tragic tale highlights the ongoing struggle faced by girls like Rina, who are often forced into marriage and domestic servitude at a young age, denying them their right to an education and a brighter future.
Mozambique: Lúcia’s Story
In Mozambique, the phenomenon of early marriage is prevalent, with 48 per cent of girls tying the knot before the age of 18. This has far-reaching consequences, including the disruption of education and heightened risks during pregnancy and childbirth. The story of Lúcia, 15, who is eight months pregnant, serves as a poignant illustration of this issue. Despite initial reservations, Lúcia’s family convinced her to marry Velasco, 20, at a young age.
She eventually became pregnant and was forced to drop out of school after contracting malaria, leaving her feeling ‘very, very ill.’ The teacher’s decision to excuse her from class due to her illness added insult to injury. The practice of ‘lobolo’ or dowry payment, which Lúcia’s family must make next January, further complicates the situation. Lúcia hopes to return to school after the birth of her child, but her parents are uncertain how this will be possible.
With a desire to become a teacher, Lúcia’s future hangs in the balance. According to the Government Director in Inhambane City, ‘many families are unaware that when a girl marries young, she is not prepared to be a mother. Often there are issues with her pregnancy; she stops school, and this creates a cycle of illiteracy.’
Iraq: Dilda’s Story
As Dilda, 17, stood at the door of the rented home she shared with her new husband Razan, a 23-year-old, in Sulimaniyah, Kurdistan Region, the reality of her situation hit her hard. Just two years prior, she was a devoted student, determined to become a doctor and excel in school. Her marriage, however, was an economic necessity for her parents, who were forced to flee their homes in Syria due to the ongoing conflict.
Now, as refugees in Iraq, they struggle to make ends meet, barely scraping by with the most basic necessities. Dilda’s once promising future had been derailed, and she was left standing at the door of a new chapter in her life.
Democratic Republic of the Congo: Florence’s Story
In the bustling capital city of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kinshasa, 14-year-old Florence’s story is one of resilience and determination. As a student at Hope Secondary School, she had a close call with forced marriage when her step-mother attempted to marry her off to a man at just 13 years old. Refusing to give in to her step-mother’s demands, Florence took a bold decision to leave the market where she was abandoned by her step-mother.
Looking back on that fateful day, Florence is adamant it was the right choice, as it allowed her to continue pursuing her education. Currently in her final year of primary school, Florence’s ambitions don’t stop there – she hopes to attend high school and eventually become a skilled tradeswoman.
Kenya: Amina’s Story
In the Ifo refugee camp near the Kenya-Somalia border, 14-year-old Amina Hassan stands amidst a sea of uncertainty, her seven months pregnant belly a stark reminder of the challenges she’s faced since fleeing her hometown in South-East Somalia with her mother-in-law and other relatives. The journey, which lasted 26 arduous days, was marked by encounters with lions and hyenas, as well as meager sustenance provided by strangers.
Amina’s path is a testament to the devastating effects of war on young lives never having had the opportunity to attend school, she was married off at just 12 years old by her parents. Her husband remains in Somalia, searching for work as Amina and her family navigate the complexities of refugee life, awaiting registration for food and other aid.
Afghanistan: Zaika’s Story
In the heart of Kabul, Afghanistan, Zakia’s story serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of forced marriage. At just 16 years old, she was whisked away from her life in Iran, where she had been forced into an arranged union with a 25-year-old man. Miraculously, Zakia managed to escape this dire situation and find solace in a shelter for girls and women, where she is now seeking support to overcome the trauma inflicted upon her.
Despite the shelter’s efforts to resolve family problems and facilitate safe returns to communities, numerous challenges persist, underscoring the need for sustained support and advocacy to protect the rights of girls like Zakia.
Niger: Nafissa’s Story
In a poignant and heart-wrenching turn of events, Nafissa’s life took an unexpected path when she became married at the tender age of 16. Her union with her spouse lasted for a duration of 10 months before the arrival of their first child three months into their marriage. Unfortunately, their baby was stillborn, leaving the young couple to grapple with the devastating loss and its profound impact on their lives.
