child marriage

Child marriage: the case of Malawi

What is child marriage?

Marriage is an important institution in society. Child marriage takes place when one or both of the people involved in the marriage are under the age of 18. Child marriages most times take place without the consent of either one or both parties involved. Malawi has one of the highest rates of child marriage in the world, with 46% of the girls in Malawi getting married before the age of 18, according to UNICEF.

As a result, girl’s rights are affected, including their health, education, freedom from exploitation and the ability to consent to marriage.

child marriage

What causes child marriage in Malawi?

In Malawi, child marriage is perceived as the best option for girls. The customs and traditions in Malawi encourage girls getting married at a young age in order to preserve the girls’ virginity and dignity. Marriage is a solution for retaining a girl’s reputation and defending the family honour. In Malawi, it would be considered a disgrace if a girl gets pregnant out of wedlock.

Child marriage occurs because the economic status of the girls’ family improves as the groom pays the bride’s family dowry or alternatively he supports the family economically throughout the marriage. This is an opportunity for escape from poverty for many, as girls can sometimes be seen as an economic burden to their families.

What are the effects of child marriage?

As a result of child marriages, many girls lose their childhood, as they get forced into a demanding physical and emotional relationship from a young age. Girls are especially affected, as they become pregnant and motherhood limits them from pursuing further education or alternative jobs. Additionally, girls who are forced into a child marriage are often prone to violence.

Girls are trapped in a marriage and forced to miss out on education instead of having a prosperous future, with only 45% of girls staying in school in Malawi. In addition, lack of money prevents them from returning to education while being married. This then leads to a vicious cycle where they are forced to live dependent on their husbands.

How does the issue of child marriage unfold in Malawi and what is being done?

The United Nations (UN) states that on average, one out of two girls in the country will be married by their 18th birthday. Children as young as 9 or 10 years old are victimized by child marriage.

Due to COVID-19, areas around Malawi have reported an even greater increase in child marriages. The country recorded an increase of more than 40 000 teenage pregnancies within 8 months of the schools closing because of the pandemic. The economic impact of COVID-19 on many families meant that more children were forced into a marriage, securing a form of income for the family.

Organisations such as Plan International UK are working with individuals from communities around Malawi to tackle child marriage. By working with families directly, the organisation is able to explain to individuals the consequences of child marriage. The role of education is also highlighted in this programme in order to shift attitudes and beliefs in regards to child marriage. Children, parents and community leaders must get involved in reducing the number of child marriages around Malawi. The movement against child marriages is growing more popular too, as young people begin to also get involved with the help of such leaders.

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