Lack of access to education increases the chances of child marriage, and early and forced marriage is one of the key barriers to accessing education for girls under the age of 18. Access to education is not only the greatest predictor of the likelihood of child marriage, ensuring girls stay in school is one of the most effective ways of preventing child marriage, and continued access to quality education is critical to protecting girls from the consequences of child marriage.
When girls marry early, they are vulnerable to multiple negative social and health outcomes.
Girls who marry too young:
Have low levels of education, and often lack education
Incur higher risk of vulnerability to domestic violence, abuse and HIV infection
Often suffer from pregnancy and child pregnancy complications e.g. obstetric fistula
Lack the skills and miss the opportunity to participate in economic development and remain poor
#EndingChildMarriages #GirlsChoose