What Do Child Marriage Statistics Tell Us about Possible Solutions?

Tracking child marriage statistics is important to know if programs and initiatives are working. Many organizations are engaged in ending this human right’s violation through different avenues.

UNICEF’s latest statistics on underage marriage show that 25 million child marriages were prevented in the last ten years.1 This shows that progress has been and can continue to be made. Statistical measurements will need to be kept of the number of children given in marriage, abuse and death in those marriages, poverty status and other markers, as well.

Pushing down any one of these statistics is a step in the right direction for girls and women because they are so intertwined in the lives of those most affected.

The International Center for Research on Women has named five areas to tackle in order to continue the downward trend of underage marriage:2

1. Empower girls with information, skills and support networks
2. Provide economic support and incentives to girls and their families
3. Educate and rally parents and community members
4. Enhance girls’ access to a high-quality education
5. Encourage supportive laws and policies

We would add a sixth, an essential framework for the girls and their family:

6. Provide girls with the understanding that they were created by a God who loves them and values them just as they are.

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