Geography Final

Outline of the issue — What is child marriage?

• Child bride = a girl under 18 married formally or informally to an adult or another child.

• Niger has the highest rate of child marriage in the world, with

What is Cause 1?

Cause 1: Poverty and financial pressures

• Families struggle to support children due to poverty.

• Marrying daughters early is seen as a solution to financial hardship.

• Families may receive dowries or other financial benefits.

• SCEEP: Economic — family income and costs of supporting children.

What is Cause 2?

Cause 2: Cultural and social norms

• Early marriage is seen as protecting family honour.

• Families want to prevent premarital pregnancy and shame.

• Girls may marry before their first period.

• Traditional gender roles expect girls to become wives and mothers.

• Girls' education receives less support.

• SCEEP: Cultural — traditions and beliefs; Social — family expectations and community pressure.

What is Impact 1?

Impact 1: Health and maternal mortality

• Early pregnancy increases risks during childbirth.

• Young girls are more vulnerable to health complications.

• Risks include obstetric fistulas and maternal death.

• Babies face increased risks of complications and death.

What is impact 2?

Impact 2: Psychological impact

• Girls lose childhood experiences and personal growth opportunities.

• Girls have less control over their relationships and lives.

• Abusive relationships can cause trauma.

• Very early marriage is associated with poorer mental health and wellbeing.

What is the response to the issue?

Response: Niger's commitment to eliminate child marriage by 2030

• Niger committed to eliminating child marriage by 2030.

• This supports the UN Sustainable Development Goal on ending harmful practices against children.

Who are the stakeholders?

Stakeholders: Young girls, Niger government, United Nations (UN).

Strengths of response

• Government acknowledges child marriage is a serious issue.

• Establishes a goal to eliminate the practice.

Limitations of response

• The target is unlikely to be achieved at the current rate of progress.

• Government commitment has not led to sufficiently rapid change.

• Progress needs to increase significantly to eliminate child marriage.