How to end child marriage: action strategies for prevention and protection

Girls who marry as children (younger than 18 years of age) are often more susceptible to the health risks associated with early sexual initiation and childbearing, including HIV and obstetric fistula. Lacking status and power, these girls are often subjected to domestic violence, sexual abuse and social isolation. And early marriage almost always deprives girls of their education or meaningful work, which contributes to persistent poverty. [adapted from author]

This guide is aimed at policy makers who aim to end child marriage. It outlines what can and should be done to end child marriage including:

• changing harmful cultural norms
• supporting community programs
• maximizing foreign assistance
• increasing access to girls education,
• providing young women with economic opportunities
• addressing the unique needs of child brides
• evaluating programs to determine what works

In addition, an analysis is given of the factors contributing to high levels of child marriage and a list of the twenty countries with the highest percentage of child marriage.