Five million children in Uganda were married before the age of 18 and 1.3 million became child brides before the age of 15, according to recent data from UNICEF. Despite continuously improving statistics, the trend remains insufficient to curb this harmful practice which still exists in many communities around the world. Over 650 million females worldwide are married as children and every year, around 12 million girls are married before they turn 18 years of age, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.
Defined as the marriage of a child under the age of 18, child marriage is a violation of human rights and a barrier to social and economic development. Adolescent marriage has serious and far-reaching effects. Girls who are forced into an early marriage often face limited educational opportunities thus perpetuating a cycle of poverty and inequality. They also experience higher rates of domestic violence and have an increased risk of complications during pregnancy and childbirth, according to a recent “Comprehensive Look into Child Marriage” by Amigos Internacionales.
Furthermore, child marriage has detrimental effects on society as a whole. It hinders economic development by limiting the potential contributions that young girls could make to their communities. It also perpetuates gender inequalities and reinforces harmful cultural norms.
Factors contributing to child marriage
Alongside deep-rooted traditions and beliefs, poverty is one of the key factors that contributes to child marriage. Uganda is one of the poorest countries globally with 41.4% of its population living in extreme poverty, surviving on just $1.90 per day. Hence, poverty acts as a driver for child marriage as families facing economic hardship often see marrying off their young daughters as a way to alleviate financial burdens. In many rural areas, the lack of economic opportunities and limited access to education significantly increases the likelihood of child marriage.
While Uganda has laws in place to prohibit child marriage, their implementation is often weak due to limited resources, corruption and cultural practices that tolerate child marriage. Additionally, traditional beliefs and gender norms continue to perpetuate child marriage making it difficult to change deep-rooted societal attitudes.
Role of international organizations and donors
International organizations such as UNICEF and Girls Not Brides have been working tirelessly to raise awareness about child marriage in Uganda. They conduct research, gather data, and publish reports that shed light on the extent of the problem. By doing so, they bring attention to the issue at both national and international levels, compelling governments to take action.
Moreover, these organizations provide financial support to local NGOs working on the ground to combat child marriage. They fund programs that empower girls through education and vocational training, creating opportunities for them to escape the cycle of poverty that often leads to early marriages.
Donors also play a vital role in fighting child marriage in Uganda. They contribute funds that are used for various initiatives such as community sensitization campaigns, legal advocacy efforts, and healthcare services for young girls who have been forced into early marriages.
International organizations and donors collaborate with the Ugandan government to develop policies and legislation that aim to eradicate child marriage. They provide technical expertise and guidance based on best practices from around the world.
For instance, UNICEF has been working with the Ugandan government and civil society organizations to strengthen child protection systems and advocate for policy reform.
Furthermore, organizations such as Plan International and Save the Children have implemented programs that focus on community engagement education and economic empowerment to address the root causes of child marriage.
Development aid plays a crucial role in addressing child marriage in Uganda by providing essential resources and support to empower girls and their communities with one of the key roles being provide access to education. Many girls in Uganda are forced into marriage at a young age, often resulting in them dropping out of school.
Amongi Betty Ongom, Minister of Gender Labour and Social Development, praised development aid organizations for “working to ensure that girls have the opportunity to continue their education, which is crucial in delaying marriage and empowering them to make informed decisions about their future.”
