The 'Child Marriage' infographic lays out the worldwide statistics on child marriage in particularly troubling areas. With a special interest on (mostly) developing countries in Africa, the Middle East and South America, the infographic provides some concerning data not only about illegal child marriages, but also for the legal ones. In countries like Niger, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and many other African nations, the legal age of consent for marriage is 15.
There is no set definition of child marriage; however it, like child soldiers, is generally regarded to be below 18. In these countries, a great percentage of youth are married by 18 -- partially for financial and security reasons. These are also areas of the world where the maternal deaths during childbirth are hugely high due to lack of resources.
What's Driving This Trend
- Child Marriage Statistics
- The 'Child Marriage' infographic highlights the widespread issue of child marriage worldwide, presenting data that reveals the scope and severity of the problem.
- Impact of Legal Child Marriages
- The infographic raises awareness about the legal child marriages in certain regions, shedding light on the potential harms and challenges faced by young brides.
- Maternal Health in Developing Countries
- The infographic underscores the link between child marriage and high maternal mortality rates in developing countries, calling for improved resources and support for young mothers.
Who This Affects Most
- Human Rights Advocacy
- Human rights advocacy organizations can use the 'Child Marriage' infographic to raise awareness, drive policy changes, and implement programs to combat child marriage globally.
- Education and Awareness Initiatives
- Non-profit organizations focused on education and awareness can utilize the infographic to educate communities, parents, and caregivers about the harmful effects of child marriage and the importance of delaying marriage for young girls.
- Healthcare and Maternal Support Services
- Healthcare providers and organizations can leverage the infographic to prioritize maternal health in developing countries, advocating for improved resources, access to healthcare, and support for young mothers affected by child marriage.
