Child Brides

The Problem of Early, Forced Marriage
Throughout the world, the problem of early, forced marriages of children is considered to be a violation of basic human rights. It has been estimated that 49 countries have a significant child bride problem. Here is an overview of the problem of child brides and solutions to the issue of early marriages.
Saying No to Child Marriage
Breaking out of the tradition to marry young is difficult. These girls do not often receive support from their families to say no to marriage.
Additionally, cultural, economic, and religious aspects of the communities when they live make it nearly impossible for the girls to break free from marrying early.
The Problem of Child Brides and Forced Marriages
* Egypt, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Pakistan, India, and the Middle East:
In the rural villages of these countries many young girls are rarely allowed out of their homes unless it is to work in the fields or to get married.

These uneducated girls are often married off at the young age of 11. Some families allow girls who are only 7 years old to marry. It is very unusual for a girl to reach the age of 16 and not be married.

In Afghanistan
it is believed that between 60 and 80 percent of marriages are forced marriages.

Even though the legal age to get married in Egypt is 16, and in India and Ethiopia, the age is 18, these laws are quite often ignored.

* England and the United States:
The issue of child brides has also reached other countries such as England and the United States where secret illegal weddings are being performed.