ESCWA Publication: E/ESCWA/CL2.GPID/2023/8
Country: Arab Republic of Egypt, Republic of Iraq, Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Republic of Tunisia
Publication Type: Flagship publications
Cluster: Gender Justice, Population and Inclusive Development
Focus Area: 2030 Agenda, Gender equality, Inclusive development, Future of employment
Initiatives: Women’s rights and gender mainstreaming, Preventing Violence Against Women and Girls
SDGs: Agenda 2030, Goal 1: No Poverty, Goal 3: Good Health and Well-Being, Goal 4: Quality Education, Goal 5: Gender Equality, Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities
Keywords: Early marriage, Sustainable development, Quality of life, Fertility rate, Contraceptive usage, Domestic violence, Labour market, Human rights, Legal aspects, Educational aspects, Girls, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Tunisia
The cost of child marriage over the life cycle of girls and women: Evidence from Egypt, Iraq, Jordan and Tunisia
September 2023
Child marriage violates human rights and is a significant impediment to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Although progress has been made in reducing child marriage worldwide, it remains prevalent (including in the Arab region), fuelled by sociocultural norms, poverty, lack of education, and external factors such as conflict or natural disasters. Research confirms that child marriage has severe and far-reaching consequences for women and girls, affecting all aspects of their lives, families and society. This new study estimates the costs of child marriage at different stages of women’s lives, using a life-cycle skill formation model in four Arab countries, namely, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, and Tunisia. The study provides new insights into the multifaceted costs of child marriage and highlights the urgent need for action to eliminate this harmful practice.
Related content
2030 Agenda
, Gender equality
, Inclusive development
, Future of employment
,
Child marriage violates human rights and is a significant impediment to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Although progress has been made in reducing child marriage worldwide, it remains prevalent (including in the Arab region), fuelled by sociocultural norms, poverty, lack of education, and external factors such as conflict or natural disasters. Research confirms that child marriage has severe and far-reaching consequences for women and girls, affecting all aspects of their lives, families and society. This new study estimates the costs of child marriage at different stages of women’s lives, using a life-cycle skill formation model in four Arab countries, namely, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, and Tunisia. The study provides new insights into the multifaceted costs of child marriage and highlights the urgent need for action to eliminate this harmful practice.
