Why does child marriage happen? Nada Al-Ahdal explains
At its heart, child marriage is rooted in gender inequality and in the belief that girls and women are somehow inferior to boys and men. In this video, Nada Al-Ahdal explains why it happens.
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Child marriage is a complex issue. Poverty, lack of education, cultural practices and insecurity fuel and sustain the practice.
Poverty
More than half of girls from the poorest families in the developing world are married as children. Where poverty is severe, families, and sometimes girls themselves, believe that marriage will secure their future.
Marrying off a daughter lets parents reduce family expenses: there is one less person to feed, clothe and educate. Families may also see investing in their son's education as more worthwhile.
In some cases, marrying off a daughter is seen as a way of repaying debts, managing disputes or settling social, economic and political alliances.
In communities where a dowry or "bride price" is paid, it is often welcome income for poor families. The groom's family pays the bride price, and they often pay more if the bride is young and uneducated, because they believe it will be easier to control a girl who has not been to school and does not know her rights.
Insecurity
Many parents marry off their daughters young because they feel it is in her best interest. Often they want to keep her safe in areas where girls are at high risk of harassment and physical or sexual assault.
Child marriage can increase in humanitarian crises, such as in conflict zones or after a natural disaster. When families face even greater hardship, they may see child marriage as a way of coping with poverty and violence.
Nine of the ten countries with the highest child marriage rates are considered fragile states.