The International Center for Research on Women recently released a report on child marriage. The Center cites health risks, including HIV and obstetric fistula, among girls who marry as children. Lack of power in the home and reduced economic power were also cited as problems associated with child marriage. The report showed a correlation between education levels and child marriage, reporting that women with post-secondary and higher education were at a reduced risk of child marriage.
Twenty countries with the highest incidences of child marriage were cited in the report. Niger ranked the highest with marriage for girls under eighteen at 76.6%.
The Center recommended a movement to influence cultural traditions. Grassroots organizations and changing national policies mark the already-changing views on child marriage.
Compiled from: http://www.icrw.org/docs/2007-childmarriagepolicy.pdf