Colombia’s Congress has voted in favour of banning child marriage.
The landmark decision would increase the minimum age for marriage to 18.
Data from the United Nations shows 23% of women aged 20 to 24 in Colombia were married as a child. The global average is 20%, according to UNICEF.
The reform will now go to Colombian President Gustavo Petro for final approval.
Child marrige
Girls Not Brides (GNB) is an international organisation that campaigns against child marriage.
It defines child marriage as: “Any formal marriage or informal union where one or both parties are under 18 years of age.”
According to GNB, 5% of girls in Colombia are married before they turn 15.
Nearly one in four girls (23%) are married before their 18th birthday. In comparison, 7% of boys in Colombia are married before the age of 18.
Impacts of child marriage in Colombia
UNICEF data shows women involved in child marriage are less likely to be employed later in life and are more likely to face domestic violence.
It found nearly half of women in their early 20s who were married as a child have experienced domestic violence. This is compared to 39% of women who married as an adult.
78% of Colombian women aged 20 to 24 who married as a child are employed, compared to 85% of women who married as an adult.
Colombia
Colombia’s Congress passed a bill last week to ban the marriage of anyone under 18.
The new law will block a loophole that permitted child marriages to take place in Colombia.
It will also see the introduction of a nationwide program focused on preventing child marriage.
Not-for-profit Equality Now said the reforms will allow “education and personal development for girls” to be prioritised.
Response
Colombian Congresswoman Jennifer Pedraza said: “We made history for the children of Colombia… This is a victory for everyone.”
Congresswoman Alexandra Vásquez said she “couldn’t be happier” after several failed attempts to pass similar legislation.
GNB CEO Faith Mwangi-Powell welcomed the ban, which she said would “not only” set the minimum age for marriage, but also focus “on prevention and support.”
