Changing attitudes and actions toward child and early marriages in BARMM

Defined as formal or informal (cohabitation) marriages of girls and boys before they turn 18, child and early marriages (CEM) are considered harmful practices because child brides are often denied their basic human rights to health, education and protection. Physically and emotionally, child brides are not ready to assume the roles of wives and mothers. They are also at risks of dying from pregnancy and childbirth complications, and experiencing domestic violence and poverty.

The United Nations Children’s Fund (2017) reported that 15 percent of Filipino girls get married before they turn 18 while 2 percent marry before reaching 15. The total number of child brides is 726,000.  Mimaropa, Soccsksargen and BARMM were identified as the three regions with the highest number of child brides.