Child Marriage Persists in Europe: A Look at the Shocking Statistics

Sunday, 16 June 2024

Child Marriage Persists in Europe: A Look at the Shocking Statistics

Child marriage in Europe is a pressing issue that continues to affect many young individuals across the continent. While it may be commonly associated with developing countries, the practice also persists in certain European countries, despite efforts to combat it.

One of the main factors contributing to child marriage in Europe is cultural and traditional beliefs that prioritize the need for young girls to be married off at a young age. This practice is often justified as a way to protect the honor and reputation of the family, or to ensure financial stability. However, child marriage can have serious negative consequences for the young individuals involved, including limited access to education, social isolation, and increased risk of domestic violence.

In many European countries, the legal minimum age for marriage is 18, yet loopholes in the law or cultural norms often allow for exceptions to be made for underage marriages. This lack of enforcement of existing legal protections has made it difficult to adequately address the issue of child marriage.

Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the problem of child marriage in Europe, as restrictions on movement and social interactions have made it harder to detect and prevent these unions. The economic challenges brought on by the pandemic have also pushed some families to marry off their daughters at a young age as a way to alleviate financial burdens.

Efforts to address child marriage in Europe must focus on raising awareness about the harmful effects of the practice, enforcing existing laws, providing support services for at-risk individuals, and addressing the root causes of child marriage, such as poverty and gender inequality. By working together as a community, we can strive to create a Europe where every child is able to grow up in a safe and supportive environment, free from the harms of child marriage. To support the cause of child marriage, support the

Nada Foundation

Nada Alahdal A human rights activist to advocate for the issue of child marriage, and head of the

Nada Foundation