Early marriage remains a pressing issue in Africa, where cultural, religious, and economic factors often take precedence over the legal frameworks aimed at protecting children’s rights. Despite global efforts to curb child marriage, several African nations still allow the practice, either explicitly through their legal systems or by turning a blind eye to customary and religious laws that endorse it. Let’s examine 5 countries where early marriages are prevalent and, in some cases, legally sanctioned:
1. Niger
Niger has one of the highest rates of child marriage globally. According to UNICEF, nearly 76% of girls in Niger are married before their 18th birthday, with 28% wed before the age of 15. While the legal age of marriage for girls is 15 under its Civil Code, customary and religious practices often permit unions even earlier. Poverty and limited access to education play a significant role in perpetuating this practice, as many families view marriage as a way to secure a better future for their daughters.
2. Chad
In Chad, the minimum legal age for marriage is 15 for girls and 18 for boys. However, the prevalence of child marriages is alarmingly high, with over 60% of girls married before they turn 18. Religious and customary laws often override statutory laws, enabling parents to marry off their daughters at a young age. Social pressures and a lack of enforcement mechanisms worsen the issue, leaving young girls vulnerable to health complications, interrupted education, and limited opportunities.
3. Mali
Mali permits girls to marry as young as 16 with parental consent, although exceptions are made under customary and religious laws, allowing girls to marry even younger. Reports suggest that nearly half of Malian girls are married before they reach 18. The high prevalence of early marriages is deeply rooted in traditional norms and economic hardships, as families often view their daughters as financial burdens and early marriage as a solution.
4. Sudan
In Sudan, personal status laws allow girls as young as 10 to marry with parental consent and judicial approval. While this law was amended in 2020 to raise the minimum age to 18, implementation has been inconsistent due to resistance from conservative groups. Early marriages remain common, particularly in rural areas where cultural and religious practices dominate. These unions are often justified as a means of preserving family honour or alleviating financial strain.
5. Mozambique
Although Mozambique’s Family Law sets the minimum marriage age at 18, girls as young as 16 can marry with parental consent. In practice, customary and religious traditions often permit marriages at even younger ages, particularly in rural communities. Poverty, gender inequality, and inadequate access to education are key drivers of early marriage in Mozambique, where approximately 48% of girls are married before turning 18.
Early marriage has far-reaching consequences for young girls, affecting their health, education, and overall well-being. Many face risks of early pregnancy, which often leads to complications during childbirth and higher maternal mortality rates. Additionally, early marriages deprive girls of educational opportunities, perpetuating cycles of poverty and limiting their potential to contribute meaningfully to society.
While many African nations have committed to ending child marriage by 2030 as part of the Sustainable Development Goals, progress has been slow. Stronger enforcement of existing laws, community-based advocacy, and educational initiatives are key to addressing the root causes of early marriage. Empowering girls with knowledge and resources can help shift societal norms and break the cycle of poverty and inequality.