Global Efforts to Combat Child Marriage

Child marriage remains a pressing issue globally, with many countries, including the U.S., Malaysia, South Sudan, Pakistan, and Tanzania, grappling with its prevalence. In the U.S., over 300,000 minors were married between 2000 and 2018, prompting the introduction of the Child Marriage Prevention Act to address this issue. Similarly, in Sarawak, Malaysia, traditional practices lead to high rates of early marriages, often resulting in teenage pregnancies, while activists call for stricter laws. In South Sudan, a viral case highlighted the complexities of consent and cultural practices surrounding marriage competitions for young girls. Pakistan continues to struggle with child marriages despite existing laws, with new proposals seeking to amend outdated legislation. Meanwhile, Tanzania is witnessing grassroots campaigns aimed at raising awareness and advocating for legal reforms to eliminate child marriage, especially among vulnerable communities.