Report on the Global Crisis of Child Marriage and its Impact on Sustainable Development Goals

1.0 Introduction

This report analyzes the critical issue of child marriage, drawing on data presented by a non-governmental organization’s public awareness campaign. The findings highlight the staggering daily rate of early and forced marriages and the subsequent mortality rates among young girls. This practice represents a significant barrier to achieving several key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those concerning gender equality, health, and poverty reduction.

2.0 Key Statistical Findings

Data from the field indicates a severe and ongoing global crisis. The primary statistics presented are as follows:

• Daily Incidence of Child Marriage: An estimated 33,000 girls under the age of 15 are forced into marriage each day.
• Associated Maternal Mortality: Approximately 20% of these child brides die from complications related to pregnancy and childbirth. This equates to nearly 7,000 deaths daily.
• Primary Causal Factor: Poverty is identified as the principal driver behind the practice, compelling families to marry off their daughters.
• Geographical Scope: The issue is widespread, with significant prevalence in regions across Africa, South America, and Asia, including the Philippines.

3.0 Intersection with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The practice of child marriage directly undermines the global commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The following SDGs are most critically impacted:

1. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • The practice is a direct violation of Target 5.3, which explicitly calls for the elimination of all harmful practices, such as child, early, and forced marriage.
   • It perpetuates gender-based discrimination, denies girls their autonomy, and exposes them to a higher risk of violence.
2. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The high mortality rate (20%) among child brides due to childbirth complications is a stark failure to meet Target 3.1 (reduce the global maternal mortality ratio).
   • Early marriage leads to premature pregnancies, which pose severe health risks to girls whose bodies are not fully developed, impacting both maternal and newborn health (Target 3.7).
3. SDG 1: No Poverty
   • The report confirms that poverty is a root cause of child marriage, demonstrating the cyclical link between economic deprivation and harmful social practices.
   • Eradicating child marriage is essential for breaking intergenerational cycles of poverty, as it prevents girls from obtaining an education and achieving economic independence.
4. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • Child marriage is a primary barrier to girls’ education, often terminating their schooling permanently. This directly obstructs the achievement of Target 4.1, which aims to ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable, and quality primary and secondary education.
5. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Forced child marriage is a fundamental violation of human rights and a form of violence against children, contravening Target 16.2 (end abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against and torture of children).

4.0 Challenges and Avenues for Intervention

Addressing this crisis requires a multi-faceted approach, though several challenges persist.

• Fundraising and Efficacy: While direct financial contributions are solicited (e.g., 220 kronor per month), public skepticism regarding the efficiency of aid distribution remains a hurdle. Concerns that as little as 8% of donations reach the intended beneficiaries threaten the viability of such campaigns.
• Transparency and Partnerships (SDG 17): To overcome skepticism, organizations must demonstrate transparency and accountability, fostering effective partnerships between civil society, the public, and governments to ensure aid is impactful.
• Alternative Support: Beyond financial aid, there is a recognized need for advocacy, awareness-building through articles and media, and other forms of non-monetary support to advance the cause.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

   The article directly or indirectly addresses the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

   • SDG 5: Gender Equality

     This is the most prominent SDG in the article. The central theme is the practice of child marriage, a significant violation of girls’ rights and a major barrier to gender equality. The text explicitly states, “There are many girls in the world who have to get married before they’re 15” and “Every day, 33,000 girls are married off like this while they’re still children.”

   • SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

     The article connects child marriage directly to severe health consequences, specifically maternal mortality. The statement, “Among them, 20% will die during childbirth,” highlights the life-threatening health risks faced by young girls who are not physically or emotionally ready for pregnancy and childbirth.

   • SDG 1: No Poverty

     The article identifies poverty as the primary driver of child marriage. When the author asks if the issue is related to religion, the character responds, “no, it’s mainly because of poverty.” This establishes a clear link between economic hardship and the continuation of this harmful practice.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

   Based on the issues discussed, the following specific targets are relevant:

   • Target 5.3: Eliminate all harmful practices, such as child, early and forced marriage and female genital mutilation.

     The entire conversation revolves around this target. The article’s focus on “girls who have to get married before they’re 15” and the daily statistics of child marriage directly correspond to the goal of eliminating this practice.

   • Target 3.1: By 2030, reduce the global maternal mortality ratio to less than 70 per 100,000 live births.

     The shocking statistic that “20% [of child brides] will die during childbirth” directly relates to the issue of maternal mortality. While not framed as a ratio per 100,000 live births, it points to an extremely high mortality rate within this specific demographic, which is a major challenge to achieving Target 3.1.

   • Target 1.2: By 2030, reduce at least by half the proportion of men, women and children of all ages living in poverty in all its dimensions according to national definitions.

     The article explicitly states that child marriage is “mainly because of poverty.” This implies that achieving Target 1.2, the reduction of poverty, is a crucial step in creating the conditions necessary to eliminate child marriage.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

   Yes, the article mentions specific data points that serve as indicators for the identified targets:

   • Indicator for Target 5.3 (Eliminate child marriage):

     The article provides a direct quantitative indicator of the scale of the problem: “Every day, 33,000 girls are married off like this while they’re still children.” This figure can be used to track the prevalence of child marriage.

   • Indicator for Target 3.1 (Reduce maternal mortality):

     A specific mortality rate for the affected group is given: “Among them, 20% will die during childbirth.” This percentage serves as a stark indicator of the high maternal mortality associated with early marriage and childbirth, measuring a key challenge to the overall target.

   • Indicator for Target 1.2 (Reduce poverty):

     The article implies an indicator without providing a specific value. The statement that child marriage is “mainly because of poverty” suggests that the poverty rate in the mentioned regions (Africa, South America, the Philippines) is the underlying indicator. Progress would be measured by a reduction in poverty levels in these areas, which is expected to correlate with a decrease in child marriage.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

   SDGs	Targets	Indicators Identified in the Article
   SDG 5: Gender Equality	Target 5.3: Eliminate all harmful practices, such as child, early and forced marriage.	“Every day, 33,000 girls are married off like this while they’re still children.”
   SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being	Target 3.1: By 2030, reduce the global maternal mortality ratio.	“Among them, 20% will die during childbirth.”
   SDG 1: No Poverty	Target 1.2: By 2030, reduce at least by half the proportion of people living in poverty.	The practice of child marriage is “mainly because of poverty” (Implied indicator: poverty rates in affected regions).

Source: aninjusticemag.com