Early and Forced Marriages, Child Brides

Abstract

Objective: Early and forced marriages continue to be a problem in the world and in Turkey. Factors leading to early and forced marriages and solutions will be evaluated. Method: International articles, conventions, and Turkish family data on early and forced marriages will be examined and this human rights issue, which is stillup to date, will be revealed. Results: Child marriages under the age of 18 are considered early marriages. The rate of early marriage remains a problem for girls. When girls get married before the age of 18, they are included in the names of early bride, married, and child bride. Early marriages are generally the scope of forced marriages. The countries with the highest early marriage in the world are Niger 75%, Chad 72%, and Mali 71%. According to the Turkish Statical Institute Family Survey 2021 report, women were married at an earlier age than men. While the rate of men who got married before the age of 18 was 4.4%, the rate of women was 24.2%. While the rate of men who made their first marriage between the ages of 18-19 was 8.9%, the rate of women was 23.0%. While the rate of men who made their first marriage between the ages of 20-24 was 39.6%, the rate of women was 34.6%. The reasons for forced marriage at an early age are gender inequality, poverty, traditional or religious practices, non-implementation of laws and regulations, and conflicts, disasters and emergencies. Conclusion: early and forced marriages are a continuing social problem as a human right. Even the words of child brides are disturbing humanity. Supporting the education of girls, eliminating poverty and eliminating gender inequality will contribute to the solution in preventing early and forced marriages.