Ending child marriage: why punitive approaches are not the answer
This working paper outlines why punitive approaches are not effective and instead makes the case for comprehensive responses that can end child marriage for good. It draws on the latest evidence, including recent Girls Not Brides publications on child marriage and the law, experiences of local organisations[1], and the work of the CEFMU and Sexuality Working Group.
Key messages
- There is no reliable evidence to show that age of marriage laws lead to a reduction in child marriage prevalence.
- There is no evidence to show that punitive approaches are a deterrent.
- There is evidence to show punitive approaches do more harm than good.
- Punitive approaches can have the reverse effect and lead to an increase in child marriages.
- Laws must recognize young people’s evolving capacities.
Downloads
- Download working paper (Eng) (PDF, 225.6kB)
Working paper
Data sources
- [1] Girls Not Brides, (2024), The impact of the law on child marriage and girls; Girls Not Brides, (2024) The law and CEMFU: A synthesis of recent evidence on impact and implications; Girls Not Brides (2025), Options Not Sanctions: non-punitive approaches to addressing CEFMU in Mexico (2025)