Gender dynamics at play in early childhood marriages
What are the gender dynamics at play in early childhood marriages, and how do they affect the lives of both girls and boys?
Sample Answer
Early childhood marriage (ECM) is defined as any marriage or union where one or both parties are under the age of 18. ECM is a global problem, with an estimated 650 million girls and women married before their 18th birthday. ECM is particularly prevalent in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, where over one-third of all girls are married before they turn 18.
ECM is a gendered phenomenon, with girls disproportionately affected. This is because of the unequal gender dynamics that exist in many societies. Girls are often seen as commodities to be traded in marriage, while boys are seen as having more value and potential. This inequality is reflected in the fact that girls are often married off at a younger age than boys, and that they are often married to older men.