When children marry children: harm that lasts a lifetime
Child marriage is often pictured as a young girl married to a much older man. But sometimes both the bride and the groom are children. Such marriages are just as harmful.
Two childhoods cut short
Children who are married lose the time they need to grow, play and learn. They are pushed into adult roles before they are ready, with responsibilities they cannot carry.
Why girls pay the highest price
- Health. A girl's body is still growing, and early pregnancy puts her life at risk.
- Education. In many places, a girl is expected to leave school once she is married.
- Safety. A young wife often moves into her husband's family home, where she has little say and may be treated harshly.
- Rights. She loses the chance to choose her own future.
Harm to boys too
A boy married young may have to leave school to earn money for a family. He carries the pressure of providing before he has the skills to do so. This can trap the new family in poverty.
Why families agree
Families may arrange such marriages to keep land or property in the family, to strengthen ties between relatives, or because of tradition. They often believe they are acting in their children's interest.
A better way
Awareness can help families see that waiting protects their children. Teachers, health workers and community leaders can encourage parents to let their sons and daughters finish their education.
Every child, girl or boy, deserves to grow up before marriage.