Tackling the taboo in Latin America and the Caribbean: sexuality and gender-transformative programmes to address child, early and forced marriage and unions

Objectives

The report aims to understand how sexuality and gender norms drive child, early and forced marriage and unions in Latin America and the Caribbean. It documents gender-transformative programmes in five countries and identifies what makes these interventions effective. The goal is to guide practitioners, policymakers and funders on how to strengthen prevention and response efforts by addressing sexuality, gender inequality and the structural drivers of early unions.

Findings

Child marriage and early unions remain widespread in the region, with nearly one in four girls entering a union before age 18. Progress has stalled for 25 years. Control of girls’ sexuality is a central driver, reinforced by conservative norms, limited life options and economic inequality. Many girls enter unions as a perceived path to autonomy, love or stability.

Gender-transformative programmes show strong promise. The five case studies; Brazil, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Honduras and Mexico, demonstrate that safe spaces, community-led approaches, participatory methods and locally grounded sexuality education help girls gain confidence, information and agency. Community trust is essential, and long-term engagement reduces resistance and backlash. These programmes also reveal the importance of addressing multiple forms of discrimination affecting Indigenous, Afro-descendant and rural girls.

However, the region lacks adequate public investment in education, sexual and reproductive health, and social protection. Informal unions limit girls’ legal rights, and age-of-marriage laws alone are insufficient. Effective prevention requires tackling gender norms, strengthening public services and addressing structural inequalities.

Recommendations

The report calls for programmes to openly address sexuality and the gender norms that constrain girls’ autonomy. It urges investment in participatory, girl-centred approaches that build girls’ skills, leadership and voice. Strengthening access to quality education, comprehensive sexuality education and sexual and reproductive health services is critical.

Policymakers should prioritise multi-sectoral strategies that link CEFMU prevention with education, health, gender-based violence response and economic empowerment. Civil society organisations, especially those led by women, youth, Indigenous and Afro-descendant communities, should be meaningfully included in designing and monitoring interventions. Sustained, flexible funding is essential to support long-term social norm change and community leadership.