Child marriage remains a significant issue in Madagascar, with 42% of women aged 20-24 having been married or in a union before 18, according to the 2025 MICS survey. This represents an increase from 40% in 2018. The Malagasy law, specifically law n°2007-022, sets the minimum age for marriage at 18 but allows for exceptions with a judge's authorization for "serious reasons" before that age.
The legal exception has sparked debate, with advocates pushing to strengthen the law to better protect children. The discussion aims to align with the SADC model law on eradicating child marriage, which suggests eliminating such exceptions. The consequences of child marriage are severe, including school abandonment, early pregnancies, exposure to violence, and reduced autonomy.
Poverty, social and customary norms, and limited access to protection mechanisms exacerbate the issue. The fight against child marriage extends beyond legislation, involving parliamentarians, judges, public officials, civil society, community leaders, and youth. They focus on prevention, case reporting, family mobilization, access to protection services, and education.
A high-level advocacy workshop was held in Antananarivo as part of the SADC Parliamentary Forum's Governance SDSR Project. The event, supported by the Ministry of Population and Solidarity, UNFPA, and UNICEF, brought together various stakeholders. They discussed the need for a comprehensive approach to tackle child marriage.
The Malagasy government and its partners are exploring ways to address the root causes of child marriage. This includes improving access to education and healthcare, as well as promoting social and economic opportunities for young people. The goal is to create an environment that supports children's rights and well-being.
According to the MICS 2025 survey, the prevalence of child marriage varies across regions. The data highlights the need for targeted interventions to address the issue. Stakeholders are working to develop and implement effective strategies to prevent child marriage and protect children's rights.
The issue of child marriage in Madagascar requires a sustained and multi-faceted approach. The government, civil society, and international partners must work together to address the complex factors driving this phenomenon. By doing so, they can help ensure that children in Madagascar are protected and able to reach their full potential.
Key points
- Madagascar's laws allow for child marriage exceptions with a judge's authorization.
- 42% of women aged 20-24 in Madagascar were married or in a union before 18.
- Stakeholders are pushing for stronger laws and comprehensive approaches to prevent child marriage.
