stop child marriage

Child marriage is defined as a formal marriage or informal union entered into by an individual before reaching the age of 18.^[1] While child marriage is observed for both boys and girls, the overwhelming majority of those affected by the practice are girls, most of whom are in poor socioeconomic situations.^[2] It is related to child betrothal and unmarriedteenage pregnancy.

In some cases only one marriage-partner is a child, usually the female, due to importance placed upon female virginity. Other causes of child marriage include poverty, bride price,dowry, cultural traditions, laws that allow child marriages, religious and social pressures, regional customs, fear of remaining unmarried, illiteracy, and perceived inability of women to work for money.