Five in 100 Teenagers in Colombia Are Trapped in Forced Unions
A report by the Plan Foundation, released in Colombia, has highlighted the scale of child marriages and forced early unions in the country. According to data collected by the organization, five in 100 adolescent girls ages 14 to 17 is in such a union, while more than 2,000 minors are involved in forced early relationships. […]
A recent report reveals that one in every 100 Colombian teenagers is trapped in forced marriages or early unions, despite legal prohibitions. The Plan Foundation's study indicates that over 2,000 minors are involved in such relationships, with more than 200 of these unions involving girls aged 10 to 13. This practice perpetuates gender inequality, reduces educational opportunities, and exposes young girls to poverty and violence.
Many of these girls drop out of school to handle household chores and care for children, limiting their chances of achieving economic independence. Economic dependence on partners can persist for years, making it difficult for these young women to escape abusive relationships. The issue also affects the next generation, as young mothers often face physical and emotional risks and struggle to return to school.
To combat this problem, Colombia needs to combine legal protections with comprehensive measures that address social, economic, and cultural factors contributing to these unions.
Written by urgent.news from Colombia One's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
