UNICEF study reveals millions of child grooms

We hear about girls forced into child marriages, but a new UNICEF study highlights the 115-million boys and men around the world who were child grooms.

“Child grooms are forced to take on adult responsibilities for which they may not yet be ready,” explains Henrietta Fore, executive director, UNICEF. “Early marriage brings early fatherhood, and with it added pressure to provide for a family, cutting short education and job opportunities.”

The study, which spanned 82 countries, showed child marriages among boys was most common in the Central African Republic (28 percent), Nicaragua (19 percent) and Madagascar (13 percent). It also found one in 30 young men aged 20 to 24 married before they turned 18, while the stat is one in five for women.

At Christian Children’s Fund of Canada, we support girls and boys in learning about early, forced marriage and understanding how to support their peers to stop the harmful tradition. They know it keeps children out of school, risking their well-being.

Support education today to help keep children in school.

About Children Believe

Children Believe works globally to empower children to dream fearlessly, stand up for what they believe in — and be heard. For 60+ years, we’ve brought together brave young dreamers, caring supporters and partners, and unabashed idealists. Together, we’re driven by a common belief: creating access to education — inside and outside of classrooms — is the most powerful tool children can use to change their world.