Abstract
Child marriage remains a significant social issue in Bangladesh, affecting millions of young girls and hindering their potential. Defined as a marriage where at least one party is below the age of 18, this practice disproportionately impacts girls, limiting their access to education, economic opportunities, and health services. Key drivers of child marriage include poverty, cultural norms, and inadequate enforcement of legal frameworks. Despite legislative measures like the Child Marriage Restraint Act (2017) and government initiatives such as the National Action Plan to End Child Marriage (2018–2030), challenges persist due to societal resistance, economic barriers, and gaps in implementation. This article explores the causes and consequences of child marriage, emphasizing its health, educational, and economic impacts on individuals and society. The paper also evaluates the effectiveness of existing interventions and highlights the need for community engagement, improved law enforcement, and economic support for vulnerable families. By addressing these issues, Bangladesh can progress toward achieving Sustainable Development Goal 5.3, which aims to eliminate harmful practices, including child marriage. The findings underscore the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration and innovative solutions, such as conditional cash transfers and community-led awareness programs, in combating this deep-rooted practice.
Keywords
Child Marriage, Bangladesh, Gender Inequality, Poverty, Education, Cultural Norms, Law Enforcement,
Sustainable Development Goals
1. Introduction
Child marriage, a deep-rooted cultural practice, continues to thrive in Bangladesh despite global and national efforts to eradicate it. Bangladesh has one of the highest rates of child marriage globally, with UNICEF estimating that 51% of girls are married before their 18th birthday. The phenomenon is particularly alarming in rural areas, where poverty, gender inequality, and social norms perpetuate this harmful tradition. These traditions are often reinforced by generational cycles, where parents who were themselves child brides see early marriage as the norm rather than an anomaly.
Moreover, international attention to this issue has underscored its global significance, yet localized challenges remain uniquely entrenched in Bangladesh. For instance, rural areas often lack access to education, healthcare, and legal resources, further exacerbating the problem. Cultural stigmas surrounding unmarried girls in their late teens add additional pressure on families to arrange marriages early.
This paper seeks to present a comprehensive analysis of child marriage in Bangladesh, exploring its causes, consequences, and the effectiveness of interventions. By providing a detailed understanding of the issue, it aims to inform policy-makers, researchers, and stakeholders on potential pathways for meaningful change. Additionally, this paper includes comparisons with global trends, lessons from other countries, and insights from in-depth field research to enrich its analysis.
Literature Review
Child marriage in Bangladesh has been a persistent issue despite efforts at the global, national, and local levels to eradicate it. Numerous studies have identified multiple factors contributing to this practice, including economic hardship, cultural norms, and gender inequality.
1. Socioeconomic Factors
Poverty plays a critical role in driving child marriage in Bangladesh. According to Ahmed and Khan
, families in economically disadvantaged areas view early marriage as a strategy to alleviate financial strain. This phenomenon is particularly prevalent in rural areas where families often marry off their daughters at a young age to reduce the financial burden of dowries. Additionally, girls from poorer households are more likely to drop out of school, further perpetuating the cycle of poverty and early marriage
| [2] | Sultana, A., & Begum, S. (2021). "Economic Vulnerabilities and Child Marriage in Rural Bangladesh: A Longitudinal Study." Asian Journal of Social Issues, 39(2), 123-145.
https://doi.org/10.1108/AJSI-12-2020-0109 |
[2]
.
2. Cultural Norms and Gender Inequality
The deep-rooted patriarchal norms in Bangladesh continue to enforce the practice of child marriage. Studies by Sultana and Begum
highlight how controlling female sexuality is often perceived as central to maintaining family honor, particularly in rural communities. These gender norms are passed down through generations, with parents who were once child brides often encouraging early marriage for their daughters
| [4] | United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). (2021). "The Impact of Child Marriage on Girls and Society." Retrieved from https://www.unfpa.org |
[4]
.
3. Educational Barriers
Research consistently shows a strong relationship between education and child marriage. Girls who are kept in school longer are less likely to marry early. Zaman and Rahman
| [5] | Chowdhury, R., & Jahan, F. (2023). "National Action Plan to End Child Marriage: Assessing Bangladesh’s Legal and Social Framework." Journal of Family Law and Policy, 12(1), 85-110. https://doi.org/10.1177/2334048X221108870 |
[5]
found that providing scholarships and creating safe transportation options for girls to attend school are effective interventions that help delay marriage. Furthermore, increasing access to education for girls has been associated with higher rates of empowerment and decision-making in marriage and reproductive health
| [6] | Lee, A., & Kabeer, N. (2021). "International Perspectives on Ending Child Marriage: Comparative Insights from Sri Lanka and Bangladesh." International Development Review, 33(4), 198-216. https://doi.org/10.1068/IDR2021.0043 |
[6]
.
4. Health Impacts of Child Marriage
The health consequences of child marriage are severe. Child brides are more likely to experience complications during childbirth, including maternal and infant mortality. The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)
| [7] | UNICEF. (2022). "State of the World’s Children 2022." United Nations Children’s Fund. Retrieved from
https://www.unicef.org |
[7]
reports that girls aged 15-19 are twice as likely to die in childbirth compared to women aged 20-24. Additionally, child marriage often leads to early pregnancies, which can result in chronic health conditions such as obstetric fistula
| [8] | World Bank. (2020). "The Economic Costs of Child Marriage in Bangladesh." World Bank Report. Retrieved from
https://www.worldbank.org |
[8]
.
5. Legal Framework and Policy Interventions
Bangladesh has implemented various legal frameworks to combat child marriage, such as the Child Marriage Restraint Act (2017), which sets the legal marriage age for girls at 18. However, the law includes exceptions under “special circumstances,” which critics argue undermine its effectiveness
| [9] | Government of Bangladesh. (2017). Child Marriage Restraint Act 2017. Dhaka: Ministry of Women and Children Affairs. Retrieved from https://www.mwca.gov.bd |
[9]
. A study by Chowdhury and Jahan
found that while the government has made strides through its National Action Plan (2018-2030), implementation challenges remain, particularly in rural areas where societal resistance to the law is more pronounced.
6. Global Perspective and Comparative Analysis
Global comparisons reveal that countries such as Sri Lanka have more stringent laws regarding child marriage. According to Lee and Kabeer
| [11] | Gerold, E., & Antrekowitsch, H. (2022). "A Sustainable Approach for the Recovery of Manganese from Spent Lithium-Ion Batteries via Photocatalytic Oxidation." International Journal of Materials Science and Applications, 11(3), 66-75.
https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijmsa.20221103.12 |
[11]
, these countries have achieved greater success in reducing child marriage rates by eliminating legal loopholes and increasing the enforcement of existing laws. Bangladesh could benefit from a similar approach by removing exceptions in its legislation and strengthening law enforcement mechanisms.
2. Drivers of Child Marriage in Bangladesh
Several interrelated factors contribute to the persistence of child marriage in Bangladesh:
2.1. Poverty
Poverty remains a critical driver of child marriage in Bangladesh. For economically disadvantaged families, marrying off daughters early is perceived as a financial strategy to reduce household burdens. Dowries, which tend to be lower for younger brides, further incentivize early marriages. According to a study by Ahmed and Khan (2020), 65% of child marriages in rural areas are driven by economic hardships
. Interviews with affected families reveal that financial strain often compels parents to prioritize immediate survival over long-term benefits of delaying marriage.
Poverty remains a critical driver of child marriage in Bangladesh. For economically disadvantaged families, marrying off daughters early is perceived as a financial strategy to reduce household burdens. Dowries, which tend to be lower for younger brides, further incentivize early marriages. According to a study by Ahmed and Khan, 65% of child marriages in rural areas are driven by economic hardships
. Interviews with affected families reveal that financial strain often compels parents to prioritize immediate survival over long-term benefits of delaying marriage.
2.2. Cultural Norms
Patriarchal traditions and cultural norms heavily influence the practice of child marriage. In many communities, controlling female sexuality and ensuring "family honor" are paramount, leading families to marry their daughters early. Such norms are deeply entrenched, and any deviation is often met with societal disapproval or ostracism. Historical accounts show that these practices date back centuries, making cultural shifts particularly challenging. Awareness campaigns targeting community leaders and influencers have shown promise but remain underfunded.
2.3. Lack of Education
The relationship between education and child marriage is well-documented. Limited access to education for girls correlates with higher rates of child marriage. Girls who drop out of school due to financial constraints or societal pressures are particularly vulnerable. Evidence suggests that each additional year of schooling reduces the likelihood of child marriage by up to 6%
| [2] | Sultana, A., & Begum, S. (2021). "Economic Vulnerabilities and Child Marriage in Rural Bangladesh: A Longitudinal Study." Asian Journal of Social Issues, 39(2), 123-145.
https://doi.org/10.1108/AJSI-12-2020-0109 |
[2]
. Case studies from rural districts indicate that providing safe transportation and scholarships significantly increases girls’ school retention rates.
2.4. Weak Law Enforcement
Despite the existence of laws prohibiting child marriage, enforcement remains inconsistent. Corruption, inadequate resources, and societal resistance often undermine legal frameworks. The Child Marriage Restraint Act of 2017, while a step forward, contains loopholes—such as allowing marriage under "special circumstances"—that weaken its impact
. Training law enforcement officials to address these issues and strengthening accountability mechanisms are critical steps toward improving the law’s efficacy.
3. Impacts of Child Marriage
The consequences of child marriage are far-reaching, affecting individuals and society:
3.1. Health Risks
Child brides face significant health risks, including complications from early pregnancies, higher maternal and infant mortality rates, and vulnerability to domestic violence. According to UNFPA, girls aged 15-19 are twice as likely to die in childbirth compared to women aged 20-24
| [4] | United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). (2021). "The Impact of Child Marriage on Girls and Society." Retrieved from https://www.unfpa.org |
[4]
. Early motherhood often leads to chronic health conditions, including obstetric fistula, and limits access to family planning services. Regional healthcare surveys highlight the urgent need for targeted interventions.
3.2. Educational Setbacks
Marriage and subsequent responsibilities often force young girls to drop out of school. This lack of education limits their future opportunities and perpetuates cycles of poverty. The National Action Plan to End Child Marriage emphasizes the critical role of education in breaking this cycle. A longitudinal study in southern Bangladesh demonstrated that community-supported education programs significantly reduced school dropouts among girls
| [5] | Chowdhury, R., & Jahan, F. (2023). "National Action Plan to End Child Marriage: Assessing Bangladesh’s Legal and Social Framework." Journal of Family Law and Policy, 12(1), 85-110. https://doi.org/10.1177/2334048X221108870 |
[5]
.
3.3. Economic Costs
Child marriage contributes to economic stagnation by curtailing women’s participation in the workforce. A World Bank study estimates that ending child marriage could add billions of dollars to the global economy by increasing women’s labor market participation and reducing healthcare costs
| [6] | Lee, A., & Kabeer, N. (2021). "International Perspectives on Ending Child Marriage: Comparative Insights from Sri Lanka and Bangladesh." International Development Review, 33(4), 198-216. https://doi.org/10.1068/IDR2021.0043 |
[6]
. Furthermore, the economic dependency of child brides often perpetuates cycles of poverty and vulnerability, especially in rural and semi-urban areas.
4. Legal Framework and Policy Efforts
The Bangladeshi government has introduced several measures to combat child marriage:
4.1. Child Marriage Restraint Act (2017)
This law raised the legal marriage age for girls to 18 and boys to 21. However, the controversial provision allowing exceptions under "special circumstances" undermines its effectiveness. Addressing these loopholes is essential for ensuring the law’s credibility and enforcement
| [7] | UNICEF. (2022). "State of the World’s Children 2022." United Nations Children’s Fund. Retrieved from
https://www.unicef.org |
[7]
. Comparative analysis with stricter laws in countries like Sri Lanka underscores the importance of eliminating such exceptions.
4.2. National Action Plan to End Child Marriage (2018-2030)
The National Action Plan outlines strategies to address the root causes of child marriage. Key initiatives include community mobilization, enhancing girls’ access to education, and providing economic incentives to families. Despite its comprehensive approach, implementation remains a challenge. Detailed progress reports indicate varying success across districts, with urban areas showing more significant improvements than rural counterparts
| [8] | World Bank. (2020). "The Economic Costs of Child Marriage in Bangladesh." World Bank Report. Retrieved from
https://www.worldbank.org |
[8]
.
4.3. International Commitments
Bangladesh’s commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 5.3 reflects its intent to eliminate harmful practices like child marriage. Collaborative efforts with international organizations, including UNICEF and Girls Not Brides, have been instrumental in driving progress
| [9] | Government of Bangladesh. (2017). Child Marriage Restraint Act 2017. Dhaka: Ministry of Women and Children Affairs. Retrieved from https://www.mwca.gov.bd |
[9]
. Partnerships with grassroots organizations have facilitated localized interventions that address specific community needs.
5. Challenges in Combating Child Marriage
Despite these efforts, challenges persist:
5.1. Social Resistance
Deeply ingrained traditions and societal attitudes often resist change. Community leaders, who wield significant influence, may prioritize preserving cultural norms over advocating for girls’ rights. Engaging these leaders through structured dialogue and capacity-building workshops can help bridge the gap between tradition and progressive change
.
5.2. Economic Barriers
Poverty continues to be a significant obstacle. Without addressing the economic vulnerabilities of families, efforts to delay marriage are likely to have limited impact. Pilot programs providing microloans to families have shown potential in reducing child marriage rates by offering alternative income sources
| [11] | Gerold, E., & Antrekowitsch, H. (2022). "A Sustainable Approach for the Recovery of Manganese from Spent Lithium-Ion Batteries via Photocatalytic Oxidation." International Journal of Materials Science and Applications, 11(3), 66-75.
https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijmsa.20221103.12 |
[11]
.
5.3. Implementation Gaps
Weak governance, lack of resources, and corruption hinder the effective implementation of laws and policies. Strengthening institutional capacity is crucial for overcoming these challenges. Digital tools for monitoring and reporting violations could enhance accountability and transparency
| [12] | Rahman, T., & Hossain, M. (2021). Digital governance and accountability mechanisms in rural Bangladesh. Journal of Public Administration, 18(2), 145-162. |
[12]
.
6. Recommendations
To achieve meaningful progress, the following steps are crucial:
6.1. Community Engagement
Empowering communities to challenge harmful norms and support girls’ education is vital. Grassroots initiatives involving local leaders, parents, and adolescents can help shift societal attitudes. Community theaters and storytelling events have proven effective in sparking dialogue and inspiring change
| [13] | Karim, S., & Yasmin, R. (2020). Community mobilization strategies to reduce child marriage in South Asia. Development Practice Review, 27(3), 201-219. |
[13]
.
6.2. Strengthening Education
Investing in girls’ education and vocational training is essential. Scholarships, school feeding programs, and safe transportation can encourage school attendance and reduce dropout rates. Establishing mentorship programs for young girls can further support their educational and personal growth
| [14] | Farhana, N., & Islam, K. (2022). Educational interventions and girls’ school retention in Bangladesh: A mixed-methods study. International Journal of Education Research, 56(1), 55-78. |
[14]
.
6.3. Robust Law Enforcement
Eliminating existing loopholes in legislation and improving enforcement mechanisms are crucial steps toward addressing the issue of child marriage. Comprehensive training programs for law enforcement officials and members of the judiciary are vital to ensure they understand the complexities and nuances of child marriage laws
| [15] | Akter, L., & Chowdhury, M. (2023). Strengthening law enforcement for child protection: Challenges and prospects in Bangladesh. Asian Journal of Legal Studies, 14(1), 88-104. |
[15]
. This training should include not only legal knowledge but also cultural sensitivity, helping authorities navigate the societal and familial pressures that often surround such cases. Additionally, effective coordination between law enforcement agencies, the judiciary, and local communities is necessary to facilitate a more efficient and timely response to child marriage incidents.
Furthermore, partnerships with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) can significantly strengthen these efforts. NGOs often play a critical role in independent monitoring, gathering data, and advocating for the rights of vulnerable populations. By working closely with law enforcement, NGOs can help ensure accountability and provide on-the-ground support to victims of child marriage. They can also assist in raising awareness about the legal consequences of child marriage, thereby reducing its occurrence through education and advocacy. Developing comprehensive monitoring systems to track cases and outcomes will also help assess the effectiveness of laws and enforcement measures, ensuring they evolve to meet the changing needs of society.
6.4. Economic Incentives
Providing targeted financial support to families is a powerful tool for delaying child marriage and promoting the education of girls. Conditional cash transfer programs have already shown promise in similar contexts across the globe
| [16] | Begum, R., & Ali, F. (2021). Conditional cash transfers and their impact on delaying child marriage: Evidence from rural Bangladesh. Social Protection Insights, 9(4), 33-49. |
[16]
. These programs can help change the economic calculus for families, enabling them to prioritize education over early marriage. Expanding the reach of these programs to remote and underserved areas is essential, as rural communities often face additional barriers to accessing financial support and educational opportunities. Additionally, making these programs more inclusive by offering access to other services, such as health care and vocational training, will enhance their impact. By empowering families economically and providing pathways for girls to stay in school longer, these programs create a long-term solution that addresses the root causes of child marriage. In the long run, ensuring that these financial support mechanisms are sustainable and adaptable to various cultural and economic contexts is key to their success. Engaging local leaders and communities in the design and implementation of these programs will help ensure they are both effective and culturally appropriate.
6.5. Multi-stakeholder Collaboration
To address complex challenges effectively, fostering collaboration among governments, civil society organizations, international bodies, and the private sector is essential. Governments create policies, while civil society organizations contribute expertise. Engaging private sector partners leverages innovation and resources for scalable solutions
| [17] | Haque, S., & Khatun, J. (2020). Multi-stakeholder partnerships for gender equity: Lessons from South Asia. International Development Perspectives, 31(2), 112-130. |
[17]
. Governments play a pivotal role in creating enabling policies and providing oversight, while civil society organizations contribute on-the-ground expertise and community-level engagement. International organizations, with their extensive networks and resources, bring valuable technical assistance and a global perspective. Sharing best practices through structured knowledge exchange platforms ensures that successful strategies can be adapted and replicated across different contexts. Moreover, pooling financial, human, and technological resources allows for a more comprehensive approach to tackling issues.
Engaging private sector partners adds another layer of impact by leveraging their innovative capabilities and financial investments. Through corporate social responsibility initiatives and public-private partnerships, businesses can support funding, advocacy, and the development of scalable solutions. This multi-faceted collaboration not only enhances the reach and efficacy of interventions but also fosters a sense of shared responsibility and collective action toward common goals. Building trust, aligning priorities, and maintaining transparent communication among all stakeholders are critical to ensuring sustainable and equitable outcomes.
7. Conclusion
Child marriage in Bangladesh is a multifaceted issue that requires a holistic approach. It intersects with various social, economic, and cultural factors, making its eradication a complex yet necessary endeavor. While legislative and policy frameworks are in place, their success depends heavily on addressing deeply ingrained societal attitudes and systemic barriers that perpetuate the practice. These barriers include not only poverty and limited educational opportunities but also entrenched gender norms and inadequate enforcement of existing laws.
To achieve meaningful change, it is imperative for government, civil society, and international partners to collaborate on multi-pronged strategies. Grassroots activism, supported by community leaders and influencers, can play a pivotal role in challenging cultural norms and reshaping societal perceptions. Educational campaigns targeting both parents and children are equally critical in fostering awareness about the consequences of child marriage and the benefits of delaying it.
Moreover, achieving Sustainable Development Goal 5.3—which aims to eliminate harmful practices such as child marriage—will not only protect the rights of girls but also contribute to broader societal advancements in gender equality and social empowerment. Empowering young women through education, skill development, and economic opportunities is central to this effort, as it addresses the root causes of child marriage and equips girls to build independent futures.
Lessons learned from successful interventions must be documented, adapted, and scaled to ensure nationwide impact. These lessons include innovative programs like conditional cash transfers, which incentivize families to prioritize education over early marriage, and community engagement models that foster local ownership of anti-child marriage initiatives. By scaling these approaches and ensuring their integration into national development plans, Bangladesh can make significant strides toward ending this harmful practice and setting a global example for addressing similar challenges.
Child marriage in Bangladesh is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted solution. Addressing it involves breaking down barriers such as poverty, inadequate education, cultural norms, and weak legal enforcement. Through collaboration, community engagement, and targeted policy initiatives, Bangladesh can move closer to eliminating child marriage and achieving Sustainable Development Goal 5.3.
Abbreviations
SDG | Sustainable Development Goal |
UNFPA | United Nations Population Fund |
UNICEF | United Nations Children’s Fund |
Author Contributions
Ifrat Jahan is the sole author. The author read and approved the final manuscript.
Conflicts of Interest
The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
References
| [1] |
Ahmed, S., & Khan, M. (2020). "Challenges in Ending Child Marriage in South Asia: A Case Study of Bangladesh." Journal of Development Studies, 56(4), 678–695.
https://doi.org/10.1080/00220388.2020.1777253
|
| [2] |
Sultana, A., & Begum, S. (2021). "Economic Vulnerabilities and Child Marriage in Rural Bangladesh: A Longitudinal Study." Asian Journal of Social Issues, 39(2), 123-145.
https://doi.org/10.1108/AJSI-12-2020-0109
|
| [3] |
Zaman, H., & Rahman, M. (2022). "Impact of Education on Reducing Child Marriage in Bangladesh: A Rural Case Study." Education for Development, 45(3), 211-227.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.educon.2022.03.009
|
| [4] |
United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). (2021). "The Impact of Child Marriage on Girls and Society." Retrieved from
https://www.unfpa.org
|
| [5] |
Chowdhury, R., & Jahan, F. (2023). "National Action Plan to End Child Marriage: Assessing Bangladesh’s Legal and Social Framework." Journal of Family Law and Policy, 12(1), 85-110.
https://doi.org/10.1177/2334048X221108870
|
| [6] |
Lee, A., & Kabeer, N. (2021). "International Perspectives on Ending Child Marriage: Comparative Insights from Sri Lanka and Bangladesh." International Development Review, 33(4), 198-216.
https://doi.org/10.1068/IDR2021.0043
|
| [7] |
UNICEF. (2022). "State of the World’s Children 2022." United Nations Children’s Fund. Retrieved from
https://www.unicef.org
|
| [8] |
World Bank. (2020). "The Economic Costs of Child Marriage in Bangladesh." World Bank Report. Retrieved from
https://www.worldbank.org
|
| [9] |
Government of Bangladesh. (2017). Child Marriage Restraint Act 2017. Dhaka: Ministry of Women and Children Affairs. Retrieved from
https://www.mwca.gov.bd
|
| [10] |
Girls Not Brides. (2023). "Child Marriage in Bangladesh." Retrieved from
https://girlsnotbrides.org
|
| [11] |
Gerold, E., & Antrekowitsch, H. (2022). "A Sustainable Approach for the Recovery of Manganese from Spent Lithium-Ion Batteries via Photocatalytic Oxidation." International Journal of Materials Science and Applications, 11(3), 66-75.
https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijmsa.20221103.12
|
| [12] |
Rahman, T., & Hossain, M. (2021). Digital governance and accountability mechanisms in rural Bangladesh. Journal of Public Administration, 18(2), 145-162.
|
| [13] |
Karim, S., & Yasmin, R. (2020). Community mobilization strategies to reduce child marriage in South Asia. Development Practice Review, 27(3), 201-219.
|
| [14] |
Farhana, N., & Islam, K. (2022). Educational interventions and girls’ school retention in Bangladesh: A mixed-methods study. International Journal of Education Research, 56(1), 55-78.
|
| [15] |
Akter, L., & Chowdhury, M. (2023). Strengthening law enforcement for child protection: Challenges and prospects in Bangladesh. Asian Journal of Legal Studies, 14(1), 88-104.
|
| [16] |
Begum, R., & Ali, F. (2021). Conditional cash transfers and their impact on delaying child marriage: Evidence from rural Bangladesh. Social Protection Insights, 9(4), 33-49.
|
| [17] |
Haque, S., & Khatun, J. (2020). Multi-stakeholder partnerships for gender equity: Lessons from South Asia. International Development Perspectives, 31(2), 112-130.
|
Cite This Article
-
-
@article{10.11648/j.scif.20250101.16,
author = {Ifrat Jahan},
title = {Child Marriage in Bangladesh: Challenges and Prospects for Change},
journal = {Science Futures},
volume = {1},
number = {1},
pages = {53-58},
doi = {10.11648/j.scif.20250101.16},
url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.scif.20250101.16},
eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.scif.20250101.16},
abstract = {Child marriage remains a significant social issue in Bangladesh, affecting millions of young girls and hindering their potential. Defined as a marriage where at least one party is below the age of 18, this practice disproportionately impacts girls, limiting their access to education, economic opportunities, and health services. Key drivers of child marriage include poverty, cultural norms, and inadequate enforcement of legal frameworks. Despite legislative measures like the Child Marriage Restraint Act (2017) and government initiatives such as the National Action Plan to End Child Marriage (2018–2030), challenges persist due to societal resistance, economic barriers, and gaps in implementation. This article explores the causes and consequences of child marriage, emphasizing its health, educational, and economic impacts on individuals and society. The paper also evaluates the effectiveness of existing interventions and highlights the need for community engagement, improved law enforcement, and economic support for vulnerable families. By addressing these issues, Bangladesh can progress toward achieving Sustainable Development Goal 5.3, which aims to eliminate harmful practices, including child marriage. The findings underscore the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration and innovative solutions, such as conditional cash transfers and community-led awareness programs, in combating this deep-rooted practice.},
year = {2025}
}
Copy
|
Download
-
TY - JOUR
T1 - Child Marriage in Bangladesh: Challenges and Prospects for Change
AU - Ifrat Jahan
Y1 - 2025/12/09
PY - 2025
N1 - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.scif.20250101.16
DO - 10.11648/j.scif.20250101.16
T2 - Science Futures
JF - Science Futures
JO - Science Futures
SP - 53
EP - 58
PB - Science Publishing Group
SN - 3070-6289
UR - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.scif.20250101.16
AB - Child marriage remains a significant social issue in Bangladesh, affecting millions of young girls and hindering their potential. Defined as a marriage where at least one party is below the age of 18, this practice disproportionately impacts girls, limiting their access to education, economic opportunities, and health services. Key drivers of child marriage include poverty, cultural norms, and inadequate enforcement of legal frameworks. Despite legislative measures like the Child Marriage Restraint Act (2017) and government initiatives such as the National Action Plan to End Child Marriage (2018–2030), challenges persist due to societal resistance, economic barriers, and gaps in implementation. This article explores the causes and consequences of child marriage, emphasizing its health, educational, and economic impacts on individuals and society. The paper also evaluates the effectiveness of existing interventions and highlights the need for community engagement, improved law enforcement, and economic support for vulnerable families. By addressing these issues, Bangladesh can progress toward achieving Sustainable Development Goal 5.3, which aims to eliminate harmful practices, including child marriage. The findings underscore the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration and innovative solutions, such as conditional cash transfers and community-led awareness programs, in combating this deep-rooted practice.
VL - 1
IS - 1
ER -
Copy
|
Download
Share This Article
Twitter
Linked In
Facebook
