A World Bank analysis reveals child marriage remains a pervasive global challenge, disproportionately affecting girls and imposing significant economic and social costs.
Nearly 650 million women alive today were married before age 18, with over 53 million individuals aged 20-24 having been child brides or grooms. Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia exhibit the highest prevalence rates, while India accounts for the largest absolute number of child brides, exceeding 14 million.
This practice curtails girls' education and workforce participation, leading to reduced national GDP and higher fertility rates. Despite a slow decline in prevalence from 25% (1997-2002) to 19% (2022), the world is not on track to meet the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target of elimination by 2030, with projections extending to 2070.
While economic prosperity correlates with lower rates, poverty often drives the practice. Effective interventions include legal reforms, girls' education, skills training, and increased women's political representation, demonstrating that faster progress is achievable in specific contexts.
Originally reported as: “Child Marriage Costs Billions of Dollars Worldwide”
