Child Marriage Persists in Philippines Despite 2021 Ban
Despite the Philippines' 2021 Prohibition of Child Marriage Law, the practice persists in the island provinces of Sulu and Tawi-Tawi. Fifteen percent of girls in Barmm marry before 18, with two percent doing so before 15. This results in intergenerational poverty, poor maternal health, and gender inequality, affecting one in six girls nationwide.
Child marriage is a criminal offense under Republic Act 11596, with penalties for parents, community leaders, and officiants. However, enforcement remains challenging due to unreported marriages, traditional leaders' influence, and limited access to services. Efforts to end child marriage include training social workers, expanding community dialogues, and developing a unified social protection model. These initiatives are often led by international organizations, local government bodies, or NGOs, such as UNICEF worldwide. In the Philippines, similar groups or the government itself could be behind these efforts. About 88,600 girls in Barmm have been married before age 18, often leading to school dropout and lost opportunities for personal growth.
The prevalence of child marriage in Sulu and Tawi-Tawi underscores the need for stronger enforcement of Republic Act 11596. Collaboration between local and international organizations, along with increased access to services and education, is crucial to protect girls' rights and break the cycle of poverty and inequality.
