Asian, African Underage Girls Forcibly Married Amid Pandemic Lockdown

The pandemic lockdown was called for to prevent spreading the coronavirus. But as jobs are lost in places already struggling with poverty, many teenage girls have to pay for survival.

Asia: Thousands of Child Marriages Amid Pandemic Lockdown

In Bangladesh, child protection authorities tried to stop a child marriage that would take place at 8:30. The parents blamed the COVID-19 crisis for their decision. Child protection officials counseled the family, who in turn promised not to marry off the child, only to proceed with the marriage at 2 am.

In India, harsh lockdowns caused millions of job loss particularly with impoverished migrants. In just 4 months (March to June) lockdown, ChildLine India reported 5, 214 child marriages. But the organization claims there are more cases not reported.

Just in June and July this year, ChildLine receives a 17 percent increase in reports related to early marriages, BBC reported.

In Sindh, Pakistan, child protection services managed to stop only 17 child marriages. Even in countries where child marriage is considered illegal, parental consent in times of economic need make it inevitable.

Africa: Stories of Child Marriages Amid COVID-19 Lockdown

For a 50-kilogram sack of rice, fifth-grader Naomi was married off by her cash-strapped family. "I was told if I rejected the marriage, my family would not take care of me anymore," cried Naomi.

Later, Naomi found out her husband already had a wife before her. He would often leave her alone without food or money. She survived only because neighbors would help her.

Marie is also a fifth-grader who was married off for the price of rice for her four younger sisters, 500,000 Leones (a meager $50), and access to the water hole. "At least now I get to eat twice a day," Marie said in a matter-of-fact way.

15-year-old Kadiatu's mother is a widow and the pandemic caused financial hardships that led to the underage girl's marriage. Kadiatu previously got pregnant at age 12. Her hardships were added by a violent husband. The last beating was when Kadiatu shared their food with others; after that she left.

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Relatives Marry Off Minor Girls Amid Coronavirus Crisis

At times, teenage girls get to escape their demise with the help of some relatives. But often, their assistance is temporary. In some cases, they are sent to their relatives when their parents can no longer support them. Afterwards, even relatives would marry off the minor aged girls.

Such is the story of Mariama who was sent to live with her aunt so she could attend school. But amid the COVID-19 crisis, her aunt started to threaten to send the child back to the village if she would not marry. The teenager is ashamed as her father is already feeding 10 children and two wives.

Mariama was forced to marry and is now 7 months pregnant. "If I have a daughter, I will not give her away. I will take care of her no matter what.

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Child Marriage Cases Rise Amid Lockdown

In Sierra Leone, Africa, the youngest girl married off was only age 8. Daughters are seen as house help who will grow up to do the same work when she is turned over to her husband's family.

During the COVID-19 lockdown, child marriages are not done in church. The parents deliver their daughter to their new husband's home after accepting his proposal.

Before COVID-19 lockdown, Sierra Leone saw a 17 percent drop in underage marriages. But as soon as schools closed, jobs lost, and household expenses increased due to the lockdown, child marriages yet again accelerated.

"When the daughter marries, her father is no longer responsible for her food and education. For those who have a lot of children, that is one less child to feed," said Isata Dumbaya of the reproductive and maternal health division in Partners in Health.

Fatima Maada Bio, Sierra Leone's first lady spearheaded the "Hands Off Our Girls" campaign. However, she said the campaign had to take a backseat amid the lockdown and now they cannot reach out to stop child marriages.

Maada Bio was also set to be married off as a teenager. But, she managed to escape. Now she takes a stand for underage girls in Sierra Leone telling The Associated Press that "early marriage is legalized rape," AP News reported.