1 in 9 girls are married before age 18. Other research pointed out approximately 375 girls marry every day. What are the factors contributing to child marriage? What are global commitment to end child marriage?
Factors Contributing to Child Marriage
- Low Household Income: Girls from the poorest households are nearly five times more likely to marry before age 18 than those from the wealthiest households.
- Living in Rural Areas: Girls living in rural regions are three times more likely to marry before turning 18 than their urban counterparts.
- Low Educational Attainment in Household: Girls are three times less likely to marry before age 18 if the head of their household has a university education compared to only primary education.
Global Commitment to End Child Marriage
Sustainable Development Goal 5 – Target 5.3 aims to end all harmful practices, including child marriage, by 2030. Although the prevalence of child marriage in Indonesia remains significant, the Government of Indonesia is actively working towards meeting this goal.
- Global Commitment: SDG 5.3 is a global pledge to protect children from harmful practices, ensuring they reach their full potential.
- Indonesia’s Efforts: The Indonesian government has implemented policies and programs to reduce child marriage rates and promote the rights and well-being of children.
- Challenges Ahead: Despite these efforts, child marriage remains a persistent issue in many parts of the country, particularly in rural areas.
Geographical Spread of Child Marriage Prevalence Under Age 18
Child marriage is concentrated in specific regions across Indonesia, with rates varying significantly depending on location and the level of government (province, district, and sub-district). In some cases, provincial averages may obscure districts where the occurrence is much higher than both national and provincial levels. Kalimantan Selatan (South Borneo), frankly, has the highest level of child marriage by 2016.
Child Marriage Impacts to Education and Economy in Indonesia
- Educational Attainment: Girls who marry before the age of 18 are at least four times less likely to complete secondary education or its equivalent.
- Economic Growth: Child marriage is estimated to reduce economic growth, costing economies at least 1.7% of GDP.
The Global Consequences of Child Marriage
- Health risk: Complications during pregnancy and childbirth are the second leading cause of death for girls aged 15 to 19.
- Infant Mortality: Babies born to mothers under the age of 20 are 1.5 times more likely to die within the first 28 days compared to those born to mothers in their 20s or 30s.
“Every child deserves a childhood, not a marriage” -Nayab Jan
