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The terrible reality of child marriages in Africa

The figures for child marriages in Africa and around the world are alarming. More than 15 million girls are forced to marry. Unfortunately this is a reality that instead of decreasing, seems to continue a sharp increase in sub-Saharan Africa.

The terrible reality of child marriages in Africa

Behind the excuses of tradition and rituals characteristic of each culture, a terrible reality is hidden. Millions of girls are forced into marriage and in almost all cases with men much older than them, is it tradition or simply pedophilia?

The terrible reality of child marriages in Africa

Some data offered by the Fund of the UN give us some lights of this unfortunate situation.One of every three girls living in countries whose incomes are medium or low are forced against Marriage with older men before the age of 18 and one in nine before the age of 15. Of the 41 countries whose child marriage rate exceeds 30%, at least 30 are in Africa and sadly it seems that it is a figure that will not fall in the short time.

This "tradition" affects West Africa to a greater extent.Alli two out of five teenagers are forced to marry before turn 18 and one in six before 15 .Although it is a practice that is usually intended for girls, some boys can not escape this reality either.

Some experts in the matter explains that traditions, culture, social norms and beliefs are fundamental keys for this practice to continue taking place in the 21st century.Another factor that has a lot of weight is the economic one, and that is that In most of these cultures, marrying a daughter is an additional source of income.

The terrible reality of child marriages in Africa

Obviously the effects both physically and psychologically and emotionally are terrible for these children .First of all they are forced to separate from their families and stop being children and everything that implies from one day to another.These children are forced to have sexual relations and subsequently to bring other babies into the world when their small bodies are not yet fully trained for such tasks.

On the other hand, the impact of these child marriages also has an impact on the environment as such.This is due to the impediment that these children have to exploit their potential and make contributions for the benefit of society.

Do you think this practice is justified on behalf of the “tradition”?

If you are more interested in these topics, we invite you to read: Cur Godly nuptial rites

Images: Franck Vervial, DFID-UK Department for International Development, European Commission DG ECHO, William Murphy

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