Child Marriage: Addressing the Challenges and Obstacles in the Post-2015 Agenda

This study explores the progress of child marriage eradication over the last forty years in order to identify the weak points of implementation as well as how these are being incorporated in the post-2015 agenda. An assessment of current rates by geographic region and several other demographic factors is included along with future projections for these affected areas. The shortcomings identified include a lack of program evaluation, negligence towards married children, a shortage of data on sub-national legislation efficacy, and minimal attention paid to child marriage in the context of slavery and human trafficking. The scope of the problem is laid out semi-chronologically by causes, consequences, solutions, related harmful practices, obstacles, and upcoming necessary changes. Insight into these areas was obtained through interviews with child protection policy workers of World Vision UK and experts in issues of gender equality within development. A need for continuity of commitment, increased scope of data collection, protection of overlooked populations, and inclusion of those most affected, including women and youth, are emphasized