Report highlights decline in forced childhood marriages and unions
A JOINT study by the Ministry of Women’s Affairs and Plan International Cambodia (PIC) has indicated a notable decrease in child, early and forced marriage and unions (CEFMU) before the age of 15.
The ministry and PIC hosted a consultative workshop to discuss a recent report on human rights violations which affect girls’ childhoods and education. The event was held on
February 5 and attended by officials from relevant ministries and partner organisations.
The report highlights a downward trend in CEFMU rates, corroborated by data from the Cambodian Demographics and Health Survey (CDHS) for 2021-22. The prevalence of marriage and unions before age 15 decreased from 1.8 to 0.5 per cent.
The study also found a decrease in the percentage of young women marrying before the age of 18, from 19 to 14.44 per cent. Similarly, the proportion of young men marrying before age 15 decreased from 1.8 to 0.22 per cent. Additionally, there was a reduction in the prevalence of married men aged 15-18, from 6 to 2.96 per cent.
The survey report covered nine provinces, revealing varying rates of early marriage among women. The remote northeastern province of Ratanakkiri recorded the highest rate, at 37.3 per cent, followed by Preah Vihear at 16.7 per cent, Stung Treng 14.7 per cent, Kampot 14 per cent, Siem Reap 12 per cent, Prey Veng 10.7 per cent, Preah Sihanouk 9.3 per cent and Battambang 8 per cent. Takeo had the lowest rate, at 7.3 per cent.
Comprehensive examination
Gwynneth Wong, country director of PIC, said at the
workshop that while Cambodia has managed to decrease the prevalence of CEFMU, this gender-based violation still persists, posing challenges to the full implementation of children’s rights nationwide.
She noted the ongoing prevalence of violence from intimate partners, adding that 1 in 10 Cambodian women continues to experience such abuse.
She also reported that preliminary findings from the study confirmed that these offences continue to affect girls and boys across the country.
“CEFMU represents a perilous practice and a violation of human rights, particularly those of girls and women. Additionally, it presents a significant barrier to human resource development,” she said.
She explained that the study offers a thorough examination of the underlying factors contributing to CEFMU, a hazardous tradition shaped by cultural norms and patriarchal systems perpetuating negative gender norms.
The comprehensive analysis addresses various factors, including geographical location, family economics, poverty, social inequality, education, dropout rates, limited knowledge of reproductive health, adolescent pregnancy and inadequate law enforcement, as well as the influence of the internet and social media.
Compelling challenge
Hou Samith, secretary of state at the women’s ministry, said the ministry and PIC had compiled the report to gather insights for a national action plan, aimed at preventing child marriages and adolescent pregnancies.
She added that the government maintains a strong commitment to promoting gender equality, enhancing women’s economic empowerment, bridging educational and digital gender disparities and eradicating violence against women and girls. These efforts are crucial for fostering human resource development and advancing social morality.
“Safeguarding children and promoting their rights, particularly in preventing early marriage and facilitating their transition into adulthood, are central to the government’s core responsibilities,” she explained.
“This effort is also embedded within the framework of laws, policies, national action plans and legal instruments aimed at enhancing the educational environment in schools and mitigating the risk of student dropout,” she added.
Samith said child marriage constitutes exploitation and violence against children. While the prevalence of child marriage in Cambodia may not rank highest in the region, it remains a significant and compelling issue.