GENDER, DEVELOPMENT AND COOPERATION
Final Report on Child Marriage
CATARINA MOCHILA
CATARINA MELO
JOANA BATISTA
LUCIE VANPAESCHEN
Índice
Introduction ................................................................................................................................ 3
Methodology .............................................................................................................................. 4
Short-term Recommendations (0 - 2 years) ............................................................................... 6
Medium-term Suggestions (2–5 years) ...................................................................................... 8
Long-term recommendations (5+ years) .................................................................................. 10
References ................................................................................................................................ 13
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Introduction
In this final report, Star Consultancy is presenting its main findings on child marriage
after a thorough analysis of the problematic.
To address child marriage, 93 governments have committed to Sustainable
Development Goal Target 5.3, aiming to end the practice by 2030. While action plans are in
place, since child marriage is viewed as a violation of human rights, progress needs to
accelerate 12 times to meet the goal; without faster action, over 150 million more girls could
marry before age 18 by 2030. Child marriage is a very serious issue with long-term harmful
consequences such as school dropout, higher risk of domestic violence, perpetuating cycles of
poverty, higher chance of maternal mortality and adolescent poverty.
As of today, it is estimated that one in five young women has been married before her
18th birthday which represents an approximation of 650 million girls and women worldwide,
with 12 million additional girls being married each year. The key areas where Oxfam should
take action are Southern and Central Asia, Latin America and Sub-Saharan Africa. In Asia,
India has the highest number of child brides globally with 222.4 million, while Sub-Saharan
Africa has the highest rate, with 76% girls in Niger married before 18. Latin America also
requires some action as its child-marriage rate has barely decreased over the last 25 years,
unlike the other mentioned areas.
In order to be as effective as possible, our recommendations have been developed to
tackle the principal causes of child marriage such as lack of education, cultural norms, poverty,
population living in rural area or legal frameworks allowing child marriage and similar
practices. Some of our recommendations will address the consequences of child marriage as
well, trying to prevent school dropout, perpetuations of cycles of poverty or maternal mortality.
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Methodology
To design our recommendations, we have followed a carefully crafted methodology.
The goal of this report is to provide valuable practical recommendations that Oxfam can
integrate in its global gender strategy. More specifically, it will enhance its impact on all fields
associated with child marriage.
Phase 1: Preliminary Assessment
To address the complexities of child marriage, it is critical to first understand the phenomenon
and its socio-cultural dimensions. Star Consultancy has started by looking at what is already
done and by collecting quantitative data on child marriage to better define how to effectively
tackle it.
1. Literature review
a. Examine existing research on child marriage, including Oxfam’s internal
reports and evaluations.
b. Identify gaps in Oxfam’s current gender approach and gather best practices from
organizations such as UNICEF, Girls Not Brides, and UNFPA.
2. Data Collection
a. Collect quantitative data on key indicators such as child marriage rates, age of
marriage, socioeconomic factors, gender dynamics, education levels, and
fertility rates.
Phase 2: Mapping
Based on the collected data, Star Company identified high-risk regions and vulnerable
populations. Star Company established which populations to target first, and where Oxfam
should implement the recommendations.
1. Demographic Assessment: Utilize demographic data to identify regions with the
highest incidence of child marriage.
2. Socioeconomic Analysis: Overlay demographic findings with socioeconomic data to
explore contributing factors to child marriage.
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Phase 3: Case studies
The third phase of the methodology consisted on researching case studies to evaluate
what strategies have been proven efficient and which have not. Findings will be used as
illustrations of the efficiency of the different recommendations in the targeted sector.
Phase 4: Recommendations design
Given the findings, the Star Company team has decided to organise the
recommendations in three sections:
• Short-term recommendations: Include recommendations thought to have a rapid
impact, estimated between 0 and 2 years.
• Mid-term recommendations: Recommendations designed to have an impact on a
longer scope, estimated between 2 and 5 years.
• Long-term recommendations: Recommendations implicating structural changes with
no immediate effect but rather a long-term one which will most likely require over 5
years.
Additionally, the three sections are organised according to which specific problematic
they were designed to tackle. The targeted problematic is the following:
• Health: Address adolescent health risks associated with early marriage and childbirth.
• Education: Promote access to education as a deterrent to child marriage.
• Economic Empowerment: Support poverty alleviation strategies to reduce economic
drivers of child marriage.
• Legal and Policy Reform: Advocate for stricter enforcement of child marriage laws
and close legal loopholes.
• Cultural and Behavioral Change: Work with communities to challenge gender norms
and promote gender-transformative practices.
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Short-term Recommendations (0 - 2 years)
The short-term recommendations aim to implement immediate and effective actions,
which can be carried out in the next 2 years, in the fight against child marriage. These
recommendations should have a direct and tangible impact on the affected communities,
creating conditions that improve education, awareness and access to health services.
The first area to be analyzed is the Cultural and Social, which aims to modify the norms
and social attitudes that support harmful practices, such as child marriage.
Cultural Sensitivity Training
Oxfam staff and their local partners are recommended to be trained to understand the
cultural differences associated with child marriage practices in different regions.
Community Awareness Campaigns
To raise awareness of the negative impacts of child marriage on health, education and
economic well-being, it is recommended that Oxfam establishes partnerships with local leaders
and influencers.
Example: In Segenal, The Community Empowerment Programme (CEP) of the Tostan.
By 2021, 9,517 communities in 8 countries have declared their abandonment of female
genital mutilation and child marriage. This programme has even influenced national
policies, such as the integration of Tostan’s approach into Senegal’s development
programmes.
The second area of intervention is Education, to ensure universal access to education for
girls and their autonomy.
School Incentive Programs
Another recommendation is to implement school-incentive programmes, which offer
financial support such as scholarships, uniforms or meals, to encourage families to keep girls
in school. UNICEF research shows that completing secondary education can reduce the
chances of child marriage by up to 80%
Example:
• Egypt: A study in the rural Upper Nile region showed that offering free school
transport increased female enrolment rates by 30%.
• Morocco: The Tayssir Conditional Cash Transfer Programme has shown that
encouraging families to value education increased girls' school attendance by 19%,
contributing to early marriage postponement.
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• Kenya: The Girls' Scholarship Program revealed that, especially in regions like
Busia, scholarship recipients were 24% more likely to complete their studies and
postponed marriage by up to 3 years.
Safe Spaces for Girls
Creating safe spaces where girls can learn about their rights and have access to
reproductive health information
• Example: Jordan: In 2022, an assessment showed that girls who participate in
UNICEF-managed Makani Centres, which provide education, psychosocial support
and help with life skills development were 18% more likely to postpone marriage.
Finally, the last area we intend to address is Health. It is necessary to provide healthcare
for girls, with particular attention to the protection of mental and physical health (mainly
regarding the sexual and reproductive aspect of it).
Comprehensive Sexual and Reproductive Health Services
Access to contraceptives, maternal care and support for young mothers can reduce the
risks associated with child marriage. That is, access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive
health services is crucial in combating child marriage.
• Example: In Guyana, a policy to reintegrate young mothers into schools was
implemented in 2018, combining financial support and assistance in the health system.
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Medium-term Suggestions (2–5 years)
To tackle the urgent reasons behind child marriage, our medium-term suggestions aim
for visible outcomes in a 2–5 year span. These plans emphasize community involvement, skill
development, and creating supportive settings.
By working with local partners and utilizing existing networks, we hope to greatly
lessen child marriage numbers through focused actions.
Community Dialogues
Promoting child marriage discussions with religious and traditional leaders establishes
respectful and candid discussions by addressing the adverse impacts of this common practice.
This strategy helps on achieving commonly held values, like children’s health and education.
Leaders are viewed as allies in the needed changes by transmiting culturally relevant messages
as authorities and respected figures, whose voices are heard.
Example: Girls Not Brides Yemen Initiative uses participatory approaches, whereby
local communities, religious leaders and families are engaged in conversations about the
consequences of child marriage. The initiative uses culturally relevant and community-driven
strategies by involving these groups in active discussions. These dialogues led to a 10%
reduction in child marriage in these communities over three years, bearing testament to the role
of the community in addressing social issues.
Coalition Building
Partner with local NGO’s to maximize Oxfam’s reach and impact. Forming alliances
with local organizations and stakeholders is essential, due to their experience and resources on
the field, that have translated into significant bonds with the communities. Oxfam can leverage
on this to expand their area of reach.
Examples:
• Sub-Saharan Africa: Tostan, Girls Not Brides (coalitions exist, but require
reactivation), The African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF), The East and
Southern Africa Girls' Rights Network (ESAGRN), The Ford Foundation, The Global
Fund for Women.
• Middle East and North Africa: Arab Women Organization (AWO), ABAAD –
Resource Center for Gender Equality, Jordanian Women’s Union (JWU), The Egyptian
Center for Women’s Rights (ECWR), Union de l’Action Féminine (UAF), Yemen
Women’s Union (YWU) ·
• South Asia: BRAC (Bangladesh), Sambodhi (India), Vikas Foundation (Nepal), Anjali
Women's Group (Sri Lanka), Mahila Samakhya (India).
Skills Development Programs
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Provide vocational training to adolescent girls in order to improve their economic
independence and reduce dependency on early marriages.
Examples:
• Liberia: The Adolescent Girls Initiative (AGI) implemented by the World Bank in
collaboration with the Liberian government and partners, determined that girls that have
reciven vocational and life skills training, are 20% less likely to be forced into an early
marrying.
• Tunisia: The Mashrou3i Project, helmed by UNIDO, trained more than 1,200 girls in
business skills. The programme was deemed highly effective, with a 25% decrease in
participants marrying before the age of 18, according to follow-up surveys.
Implement sexual education programs in schools
Comprehensive sexual education provides essential information concerning topics such
as consent, contraception, and STIs to children and adolescents. The educational program may
be implemented in school programs and shared in social media campaigns, youth centers, and
in community health campaigns. Local health organizations may contribute by providing the
correct and culturally aware way to deliverer the information, raising awareness on early sexual
life risks, such as pregnancy and STI infections
Exemple:
• Ministry of Education (Kenya)- The Ministry of Education in Kenya started a
national sexual education program which seeks to inform students about sexual
health, rights, and relationships. The program aims at delaying early marriages and
covers topics such as puberty, consent, and STIs. Integrated in the school
curriculum, it empowers adolescents to make informed choices and promotes
gender equality. Partnerships with community organizations have enabled the
program to extend farther with regards to reaching at-risk populations and reducing
early marriages.
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Long-term recommendations (5+ years)
As for our long-term recommendations, which aim to dismantle the deep-roots that
sustain the practice of child marriage in a 5+ years span, these target mainly political and
institutional frameworks.
The first area we aim to tackle is Education, since, according to Girls Not Brides: “On
average, the likelihood of a girl marrying as a child is six percentage points less for every
additional year she stays in secondary education.”. Therefore, STAR Consultancy provides the
following recommendations:
Alternative Learning Models: Strengthen educational opportunities by expanding
flexible education options, such as evening classes or mobile schools, for married girls or those
at risk of child marriage, ensuring that they can continue their education even under challenging
circumstances.
• Example: In Egypt’s "Sunshine” Program 69% of participants who completed the
program reentered formal education, successfully reintegrating girls into the
education system by offering community-based flexible schooling.
Universal Education Access: Work with governments to expand school infrastructure,
especially in rural areas, ensuring all girls can complete their education. By increasing the
investment in these infrastructures, especially in underserved areas, access to education
increases among girls, delaying their premature marriage.
Next, by focusing resources and efforts into the Legal area, another structural source
for early marriage can be addressed:
Legal Frameworks: Advocate for stronger enforcement of laws prohibiting child
marriage and raising the legal marriage age to 18, in alignment with international conventions
like CEDAW. Clear and enforced legal protections are essential for reducing child marriage
rates globally.
• Evidence: A study conducted in Sub-Saharan Africa showed that the prevalence of
child marriage was 40% lower in countries with consistent laws against child marriage
than in countries without clear restrictions against the practice.
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For the most challenging part, we propose direct action against Cultural and Social
norms, which make child marriage a seriously engraved practice in all the areas affected:
Gender Transformative Approaches: Engage boys and men as allies in promoting
gender equality is key to challenging harmful norms and advocating for the rights of girls.
• Example: In India, workshops for men on gender equality and the harmful effects of
child marriage led to increased community support for girl's education and delayed
marriage.
Positive Deviance Models: Identify and replicate successful local initiatives. Because
the cultural roots that influence child marriage rates vary according to geographical area, it is
important to study and understand what worked in similar contexts, in order to obtain cultural-
appropriate and context-specific programs.
Finally, to understand the impact made on all relevant areas regarding child marriage:
Education, Health, Legal Frameworks, Social and Cultural Norms and Economic
Empowerment, we propose the development of some Indicators that will measure the
effectiveness of the implementation of the recommendations on the different sectors that child
marriage feeds on:
Legal:
• Percentage of communities reporting awareness of and adherence to new legal
frameworks against child marriage (mainly countries that raise the legal marriage age
to 18 without exceptions, measured by official government and NGO data)
Educational:
• Enrollment and completion rates for girls in secondary education in targeted regions.
• Percentage of schools implementing programs that incentivize girls’ education (like
scholarships and free transportation).
• Proportion of out-of-school girls reintegrated through alternative education models
(like mobile units, evening classes).
• Percentage of families accessing conditional cash transfer programs and reporting
positive outcomes.
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Cultural and Social:
• Percentage of community members (disaggregated by gender and age) demonstrating
shifts in attitudes toward child marriage in surveys.
• Frequency of public declarations by community or religious leaders to oppose child
marriage.
Health:
• Reduction in adolescent maternal mortality rates in intervention areas.
• Increased contraceptive use among adolescent girls in target communities.
Child Marriage:
• Decline in child marriage prevalence rates in target regions (percentage reduction over
five or ten years).
Because Oxfam faces the complex challenge of adapting its philosophy to the realities
of different socio-cultural contexts, these valuable practical recommendations can be integrated
by Oxfam in its global gender strategy, enhancing its impact on all fields associated with child
marriage, and ensuring that all dimensions are deeply studied in order to generate culturally
appropriate and context-specific strategies for promoting gender equity in general and in this
specific project.
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