Eurasian region continues to grapple with the enduring issue of child marriages according to a recent study.
In Kyrgyzstan, approximately one-fifth of marriages involve the traditional practice of "bride kidnapping," according to preliminary findings from a European Union study on gender equality. This practice, which involves abducting a woman for the purpose of forced marriage, is particularly common in rural areas.
Despite being outlawed, practitioners of bride kidnapping in Kyrgyzstan rarely face prosecution. This is due, in part, to the ways in which the practice is perceived within Kyrgyz society. Many view it as a cultural tradition, rather than a crime.
The high prevalence of bride kidnapping in Kyrgyzstan is indicative of a broader problem across Eurasia: child and forced marriage. Instances of forced marriage are also reported in other Central Asian states, as well as in the North Caucasus regions of Russia and the South Caucasus states of Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia.
Data suggests that in many countries, specific statistics on the frequency of abduction for forced marriage are unavailable, and there is little detailed information on criminal proceedings related to this practice. The cultural stigma surrounding it often discourages reporting and open discussion, making it difficult to determine the true scale of the issue.
Child marriage, defined as unions that often involve coercion and occur when a girl is under the age of 18, remains a persistent challenge across Eurasia, particularly in areas with high poverty rates. In Georgia, 14 percent of women aged 20-24 report having married before turning 18. Kyrgyzstan follows closely with a 13 percent rate, while Azerbaijan has an 11 percent rate and Tajikistan sees 9 percent. The other countries covered in the report—Russia, Armenia, Uzbekistan—have lower but still significant rates.
The data likely undercounts the number of child marriages because official statistics tend to record only civil marriages, not religious ceremonies. In the South Caucasus, instances of child marriage are more highly concentrated in specific regions or among particular ethnic communities. For example, within the Yazidi community of Armenia, it is common for girls to marry between the ages of 13-14, and for boys between 17-20. In Georgia, the highest rates of child marriage are found in communities of the Kvemo Kartli region.
The good news is that child marriage has experienced significant declines in recent decades in Georgia and Uzbekistan. In Georgia, the child marriage rate has decreased from 27 percent to 14 percent over the past two decades. In Uzbekistan, the number of marriages involving girls under 18 has dropped from 74 in 2018 to 4,786 in 2022.
All the countries covered in the Equality Now survey have statutes setting the minimum age for marriage at 18. However, weak and ineffective enforcement of legislation against child marriage is a major challenge. Cultural, religious, and societal attitudes present significant obstacles to enforcing laws and increasing prosecutions.
Economic factors act as a major driver of child marriage in Eurasia. Poverty, bride price, and dowry practices can incentivize child marriage, as families may see it as a means of financial relief or security. Effective solutions should focus on providing economic support and incentives to girls and their families to address these economic drivers.
- News reports frequently highlight the prevalence of child marriage across Eurasia, a problem that is deeply rooted in cultural traditions.
- In the realm of science, studies are being conducted to understand the societal factors contributing to child marriage.
- Workplace wellness programs could address the mental health impacts of living with the threat of forced marriage.
- Medical conditions related to early pregnancy and childbirth are more common among women who marry as children, placing them at higher risk of chronic diseases.
- Cancer researchers are exploring potential links between forced marriages and increased risk of certain types of cancer.
- Respiratory conditions can be exacerbated by stress and poor living conditions often associated with forced marriages.7.Digestive health issues can result from malnutrition, a common consequence of forced marriages in regions with high poverty rates.
- Eye-health care is crucial for victims of forced marriages, many of whom suffer from trauma-induced mental stress.
- Hearing problems are among the health issues that may arise due to the mental and physical stress of forced marriages.
- Health and wellness organizations are working to combat the practice of child marriage and its associated health risks.
- Fitness and exercise routines can help victims of forced marriages cope with stress and improve their overall well-being.
- Sexual health education is essential for girls at risk of child marriage, as they are often denied access to such information.
- Autoimmune disorders are a concern for many women who have experienced forced marriages due to the stress and trauma they endure.
- Climate change is linked to increased poverty, which in turn is a significant driver of child marriage in certain regions.
- In the manufacturing industry, efforts are being made to ensure fair labor practices and protect women from child marriage and forced labor.
- Mental health professionals are critical in helping victims of forced marriages overcome trauma and cope with their experiences.
- Men's health organizations are engaging in discussions about the role men can play in ending the practice of child marriage.
- Skin care companies are donating products to help victims of forced marriages improve their physical health and regain self-esteem.
- Therapies and treatments are being developed to address the trauma suffered by victims of forced marriages.
- Women's health organizations are working to ensure that the rights and health needs of women are prioritized.
- Weight management programs can help victims of forced marriages maintain a healthy weight, reducing their risk of chronic diseases.
- The finance industry is exploring ways to provide financial resources for girls at risk of child marriage and their families.
- Medicare and insurance policies are being revised to better address the health needs of victims of forced marriages.
- Neurological disorders can occur as a result of the stress and trauma associated with forced marriages.
- Environmental science research is focused on understanding the links between environmental degradation, poverty, and child marriage.
- Energy companies are investing in renewable energy sources to help alleviate poverty and reduce the incentive for child marriage.
- In the realm of venture capital, investors are looking for startups that are addressing the issue of child marriage through innovative solutions.
