Thematic brief: Supporting married girls and adolescent mothers and girls who are pregnant

Summary

This brief explains how closely child marriage and adolescent pregnancy are linked. Most adolescent births happen within marriage. In many settings, girls are expected to prove their fertility soon after marriage. Unintended pregnancy can also push families to marry girls off quickly, limit future earning opportunities, and increase their risk of poor health, violence, and emotional distress.

It also notes that support for married and pregnant adolescents is often weak or fragmented. Promising responses include school re-entry policies, social protection, community support groups, partner and family engagement, and youth-friendly SRHR and HIV services. The brief calls for these efforts to be combined and integrated across health, education, child protection, and social sectors so that married and pregnant girls can realise their full rights

Purpose

The brief aims to deepen understanding of the unique needs and challenges faced by married girls, pregnant adolescents, and adolescent mothers. It brings together evidence on how child marriage and adolescent pregnancy intersect, and highlights effective approaches for supporting these groups. The goal is to guide stronger, coordinated action across sectors so that programmes and policies respond more fully to girls’ health, education, protection, and social needs.

Audience

The brief is designed for policymakers, practitioners, donors, and advocates working in adolescent health, child protection, education, gender equality, and social protection. It also supports organisations designing or adapting programmes for married girls and adolescent mothers, as well as researchers and partners seeking evidence to strengthen policy and programming.