OUR LATEST INITIATIVE:
CHILD MARRIAGE
Why does child marriage exist?
Today the world's poorest countries have the highest rates of child marriage. Families often marry girls off to lessen their economic burden and provide a future for their daughters. A United Nation’s report cited more than 100 million girls in the developing world will be married during the next 10 years. In Africa, 42% of girls were married before turning 18 years old. Consequently, child brides are often pulled out of school and denied further education. This epidemic continues to contribute to a host of problematic issues that result in generational poverty and other negative patterns.
Studies have shown the effects of child marriage include:
- Brides younger than age 15 are five times more likely to die during child birth
- Married girls are more likely to contract sexually transmitted disease, including HIV/AIDS
- Young brides-already poor are isolated and denied education and employment opportunities, making it difficult for them to break out of the cycle of poverty
- Brides are more likely to experience domestic abuse and violence than their peers who marry later
- Child brides almost always bear children before they are physically or emotionally ready
- Pregnancy related deaths are the leading cause of mortality for girls aged 15 to 19 world-wide.
According to the Center for Global Development, “ With these girls facing systematic disadvantages over a wide range of welfare indicators, including health, education, nutrition, labor force participation, and the burden of household tasks, investment in the welfare of girls is critical to achieving development goals.”
Be a part of the solution with I CAN FLY International's Butterfly Project. Help us rescue a potential chid bride and other vulnerable girls. Get involved today! Sign up for our newsletter and receive updates regarding NOT FOR LOVE: The Story of a Child Bride Documentary.
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