Beyond the debate: putting the girl at the centre
Child marriage is often discussed as a debate between adults. People argue about law, custom and belief. The person most affected, the girl herself, is rarely asked.
Start with the child
Any discussion about marriage and age should start with one question: what is best for the child? When we look at her life, the answer becomes clear.
Her health
A girl's body is still growing. Early pregnancy and childbirth carry serious risks for her and her baby.
Her education
Marriage often ends a girl's schooling. She loses knowledge, skills and the chance to earn her own income.
Her safety
A young wife has little power in her new home. She is more exposed to violence and control, and finds it harder to seek help.
Her rights
Every child has the right to protection, to learning, to play and to be heard. A child cannot freely consent to marriage, so a marriage arranged for her takes these rights away.
Common ground
People with very different views can agree on one thing: every family wants its daughter to be safe and to live a good life. That shared wish is a strong starting point for change.
Respectful conversations in families, places of worship, schools and communities can help people see the harm of early marriage without blaming anyone.
When the girl is at the centre, the conclusion is simple: let her grow up first.