Most interventions focus on supply-side approaches like awareness campaigns. While important, these need to be complemented by demand-side strategies targeting marriage behaviour changes
Child marriage remains a critical social issue in Nepal, deeply rooted in cultural traditions and exacerbated by economic hardships and systemic barriers. Despite its prohibition under the Civil Code of 1963, the practice continues, particularly among marginalised groups.
Marriage practices in Nepal are evolving, influenced by economic and societal changes. Developmental Idealism (DI), a global framework promoting autonomy, equality and individual choice, is reshaping traditional norms. In regions like Chitwan Valley, there has been a noticeable shift from arranged marriage to love marriage, challenging established caste and social boundaries. Intercaste marriages, though still rare, symbolise this broader transformation.
The spread of DI is driven by factors such as education, salaried employment and media exposure. Young people who endorse DI often view modern family structures as progressive, resisting pressures from traditional norms. However, societal constraints remain pervasive. Since societal norms frequently overshadow statutory laws, these complexities highlight the need for targeted strategies to amplify positive changes brought by DI while addressing entrenched inequalities.
Child marriage persists as a widespread problem in Nepal, with an estimated 5.3 million child brides. Women are far more affected than men; 8 per cent of women aged 20-24 years were married before 15, and 33 per cent were married before 18, compared to 2 per cent and 9 per cent of men in the same age group. Rural areas show higher prevalence rates than urban centres. Educational attainment and wealth also strongly influence the prevalence.
Regional disparities also exist. Province 2 has the highest rates, with 52.5 per cent of women marrying before 18, while Bagmati reports the lowest at 28 per cent. Men in Karnali have the highest rate of child marriage at 24.8 per cent, while those in Bagmati and Gandaki have the lowest at about 9.7 per cent according to the Multiple Indicators Cluster Survey (MICS).
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli's endorsement of the "National Campaign for a Child Marriage-Free Nepal" has brought renewed focus on this issue. Declaring child marriage a criminal act, the campaign seeks to mobilise national and community efforts to end the practice. Despite such initiatives, Nepal Police recorded 52 child marriage cases in 2023-2024, underscoring the persistent challenges in eradicating this harmful practice.
Child marriage in Nepal arises from a mix of economic, cultural and systemic factors. Poverty is a major driver, as families view early marriage as a way to reduce financial burdens. This is particularly evident in disaster-prone areas like those affected by the 2015 earthquake, where economic vulnerabilities exacerbate the problem. Cultural norms and traditions also play a significant role. Patriarchal values prioritise sons' education while relegating daughters to domestic roles.
The impacts of child marriage are far-reaching. Health risks for adolescent mothers include malnutrition, uterine prolapse and higher infant mortality rates. Limited access to health care and contraceptive education exacerbates these challenges. Education is another casualty, as married girls often drop out of school, losing opportunities for personal and economic growth. Boys, too, face disruptions, as societal expectations compel them to leave school early to support their families. These patterns perpetuate cycles of poverty, restrict social mobility and lead to gender-based violence and financial instability. Unregistered marriages create additional legal and administrative barriers, denying children access to essential services.
Nepal's Constitution explicitly prohibits child marriage under Article 39(5). Legal frameworks like the Children's Act, 2075, and the Human Trafficking and Transportation (Control) Act, 2064, among others, provide tools to combat child marriage. However, enforcement of these laws remains inconsistent due to weak coordination among the government tiers and a lack of cultural awareness.
Most interventions focus on supply-side approaches like awareness campaigns. While important, these need to be complemented by demand-side strategies targeting marriage behaviour changes. Programmes must address the cultural and economic motivations behind child marriage.
Community-based mechanisms such as paralegal committees and child clubs, once instrumental in identifying and preventing child marriage, have diminished under Nepal's federal structure. Reviving these mechanisms and aligning them with judicial committees across three tiers of government is critical. A single planning and coordination mechanism involving relevant government departments and external agencies is also needed to avoid fragmentation.
Technology can play a transformative role. Mobile platforms and social media campaigns can disseminate information about the harms of child marriage and promote delayed unions. These tools can reach remote areas and enhance awareness where traditional outreach methods may be less effective. Recent initiatives, such as the establishment of a juvenile court in Bhaktapur, are promising steps towards specialised attention to children's rights. However, comprehensive operational guidelines and mechanisms for consistent implementation are required to ensure these efforts achieve their intended impact.
Child marriage in Nepal is a multifaceted issue that intersects with tradition, modernity and systemic challenges. Addressing child marriage requires a coordinated, culturally sensitive approach that integrates education, legal reform, community engagement and technology. Programmes must prioritise behaviour change, align judicial and community mechanisms, and ensure strategic coherence across all interventions.
Adhikari is an advocate and development practitioner