Patterns, trends, differentials and determinants of early marriage in Sub-Saharan Africa

Felly Kinziunga, Université de Kinshasa

Despite the legal arsenal for child protection, early marriage remains a scourge for which research is especially limited in developing countries. This paper aims to provide a global picture of early marriage in Sub-Saharan Africa. Using data on age of entry into union and marital status, the study shows that the phenomenon is alarming and persistent, but of varying intensity across 34 sub-Saharan African countries. Among women who cohabit or have cohabited with a man, the vast majority were dragged into this practice when they were just children. child marriage is not just a generational problem. In some countries, the phenomenon is so widespread that it seems to be the norm. Before reaching the age of 18, the vast majority of girls in Niger see their well-being or future darkened by early marriage.