Did you know that approximately 12 million girls are victims of child marriage each year, and Africa is said to have one of the highest rates of child marriage?
These figures are from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
These girls face sexual, domestic violence and health risks from being pregnant at a young age, not to mention they don't have the opportunity to get an education.
Child marriage is common in Africa, but here are 7 countries where it is illegal:
The minimum legal age for marriage in Rwanda is 21, higher than the international standard of 18.
This reflects Rwanda's commitment to ensuring maturity and readiness for marriage. Adults or guardians who force or facilitate child marriages face legal penalties such as fines and imprisonment.
Also, religious or community leaders may face prosecution if they are involved in child marriage.
It is one of the countries in West Africa where child marriage is banned.
The announcement was made by President Yahya Jammeh during a feast to mark the end of Ramadan in 2016, stating that marriage under the age of 18 is illegal in the country.
This punishment will be up to 20 years imprisonment for both the girl's husband and parents.
In 2017, Malawi raised its child marriage age from 16 to 18.
Before this new amendment, they had one of the worst cases when it came to child marriage, where 42% of girls were married before the age of 18.
Parents or other family members who marry their children under the age of majority are liable and liable to prosecution.
In 2015, Chad's president, Idriss Déby, signed a law that criminalizes any person or party involved in child marriage.
The penalty is five to 10 years in prison and a fine of 500,000 to 5 million CFA francs.
Uganda's Children (Amendment) Act prohibits the marriage of children under the age of 18 and criminalizes practices such as child marriage and forced marriage.
Anyone found guilty will be sentenced to life imprisonment.
In 2016, a top ruling court directed the Tanzanian government to raise the legal age of marriage to 18.
Before this amendment there were unconstitutional sections allowing girls to marry at the age of 15.
Violators of the new law will face up to 30 years in prison.
The Marriage Act of 1961 sets the minimum legal age for marriage at 18 for both boys and girls.
Parental consent is required for persons under 21, but cannot override the minimum age.
Adults involved in child marriages may face legal consequences, including fines and imprisonment.
Religious or traditional marriages involving minors are not recognized by law.
While these laws are laudable and many other African countries need to take cues from them, enforcement remains a problem.
