All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Early marriages are dangerous
Last reviewed: 01.07.2025
On October 19, 2011, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed October 11 as the International Day of the Girl Child in order to draw public attention to the problems facing future women around the world.
Several events were held at the UN headquarters in New York, during which reports from world organizations were heard, highlighting the problems of violations of the rights of minors. In particular, early marriages and the risks associated with early marriage were discussed.
Read also:
- Scientists have proven the benefits of marriage
- Psychologists have determined which marriages are happy
- Family Problems That Strengthen Marriage
- Confidence in your partner is the key to a successful marriage
A report by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) says that more than 30% of girls in developing countries are married before they reach 18. About 14% are married before they reach 15. Girls become mothers at the age of 15-19, and 16 million babies are born to such unions every year, which is 11% of the total number of births in the world.
As such marriages increase, the number of children born increases accordingly, and at the same time, the mortality rate among young mothers also increases.
According to experts, the younger the girl, the greater the likelihood that she will experience complications during childbirth, which pose a serious risk to the health of both mother and child.
In addition, children born to underage mothers are no less at risk. They die twice as often before the age of one year as their peers born to women who have reached the age of 20.
Child marriage is a violation of human rights. Preventing such unions will help reduce the likelihood of violence against young girls, reduce the risk of death from pregnancy complications, and reduce the risk of transmission of sexually transmitted diseases and HIV.
The following trend can be observed: most often, girls with a low level of education get married, or early marriage is the reason why a girl finishes her education. And vice versa, the situation changes if a girl has completed secondary school. Then the probability that she will get married decreases six times. Therefore, one of the methods of combating early marriage is to provide teenage girls with access to education.
The United Nations Population Fund said it would provide $20 million over the next five years to support underage girls in 12 countries with the highest rates of child marriage.
[ 1 ]