Child marriage infringes on children’s rights and harms their well-being, as well as that of families, communities, and the economy.
Sadly, this issue remains widespread in Africa. While young girls are often the primary victims, young boys can also marry at a young age.
Child marriage is authorized in the following African nations:
1. Nigeria
Nigeria experiences one of the highest rates of child marriage in Africa, despite the federal Child Rights Act, which prohibits marriage before the age of 18.
The constitution seems to contradict this, and Islamic legal frameworks have not embraced the federal law or recognized 18 as the legal marriageable age, permitting girls as young as 12 to wed.
2. Niger
For the past 20 years, Niger has had the highest child marriage rate globally. A staggering 76% of women aged 20-24 were married before 18, and 28% before 15. In contrast, only 6% of boys married before 18, as per the 2012 DHS Niger-MICS surveys.
3. Sudan
In Sudan, 12% of girls are married before they turn 15, and 34% marry before 18. A strict interpretation of Sharia law allows child marriage, enabling both boys and girls to marry as young as 10.
Societal stereotypes surrounding premarital sex often lead to pressure on girls to marry at a young age.
4. Somalia
With approximately 45% of girls marrying before the age of 18, Somalia has one of the highest rates of child marriage worldwide, ranking eighth globally, according to the MICS survey.
To avoid public shame resulting from their daughters being abused while traveling to or from school, parents often arrange early marriages.
Additionally, the lack of condemnation from religious leaders contributes to the perpetuation of child marriage.
5. Mali
Mali ranks fifth globally in terms of female child marriages, with 15% of girls aged 15-19 married by 15, and 18% of women aged 20-49 married before 18.
A 2018 study revealed a stark disparity, with 53% of women aged 20-49 married before 18, compared to only 3% of men.
To combat this, Mali should follow the lead of countries like Kenya, Ghana, and South Africa in criminalizing child marriage.