Exploring the Economic Costs of Child Marriage in the Arab Region

The Economic Costs of Child Marriage in the Arab Region: A Call to Action

A recent study has shed light on the critical issue of child marriage in the Arab region, revealing its profound and far-reaching implications on girls’ education, health, and economic outcomes. Despite a declining trend, child marriage still affects around one in five girls who marry before the age of 18 in the region, with varying levels observed across different countries.

The study, which examines the economic costs of child marriage in 13 Arab countries, highlights the demographic, social, and health implications of this harmful practice. It emphasizes that child marriage not only has direct and indirect monetary impacts at the individual, household, and state levels but also has long-term consequences that can hinder the region’s sustainable development.

Using a wide range of indicators, the study projects a GDP loss of 3.2 per cent in 2021 due to child marriage, with a cumulative loss of approximately $3 trillion between 2021 and 2050. These staggering figures underscore the urgent need for comprehensive action to address this issue.

The report calls for a multi-faceted approach that includes initiatives such as family planning, healthcare, education, and increased opportunities in the labor market for women. By preventing child marriage and mitigating its economic consequences, these measures can help safeguard the well-being and future prospects of young girls in the region.

As advocates and policymakers work towards implementing these recommendations, it is crucial to prioritize the elimination of child marriage as a key step towards achieving gender equality and sustainable development in the Arab region.