"Marriageability" across settings where child marriage is common

Examining context-specific concerns linked to marriageability has important implications for programmes aiming to change social norms that accelerate marriage for girls in places where child marriage is common. This paper identifies and explores factors contribute to notions of "marriageability" in different child marriage contexts and pressures to marry before marriageability declines.  The paper summarises how "marriageability" is used in child marriage research and program strategies and introduces a conceptual framework drawing on qualitative data from India, Niger, Mali and Malawi.  The framework can help identify salient components of marriageability in each context, target groups who may play a significant role in hastening marriage for girls, and designing strategies aimed at alleviating factors related to components of girl’s marriageability to delay marriage and provide more opportunities for girls.