A report by the Plan Foundation, released in Colombia, has highlighted the scale of child marriage and forced early unions in the country. According to data collected by the organization, five in every 100 adolescent girls ages 14 to 17 are in such unions, while more than 2,000 minors are involved in forced early relationships.
In addition, according to the study, just over 200 forced marriages involve girls between the ages of 10 and 13. The figures reveal a persistent violation of children’s rights despite legislative advances aimed at protecting girls and banning these unions.
These unions can disrupt education, limit autonomy, and reduce the chances of achieving economic independence. The report warns that three out of every four girls affected do not attend school, while many take on household and caregiving responsibilities typically associated with adulthood.
This situation perpetuates gender inequality and increases exposure to poverty and violence.
Five in 100 adolescent girls in Colombia are in forced unions or child marriages
The report describes a situation in which girls and adolescents are forced to assume adult responsibilities before completing their education or fully developing their autonomy. Instead of attending classes, socializing with other young people or preparing for a career, many must handle household chores and, in some cases, raise their own children.
“This is an extremely harmful practice that deeply concerns us because when girls take on these caregiving responsibilities and assume adult roles, they cannot grow up and enjoy their childhood. We found that in approximately 60% of cases, the age difference ranges from five to 50 years,” said Angela Anzola de Toro, president of the Plan Foundation.
This age gap can make it harder for minors to make decisions about their futures, express their wishes or seek help when they experience violence. Economic dependence, family pressure and social norms that justify these unions can further limit their ability to leave harmful relationships.
School dropout is one of the most visible consequences. When girls stop studying to take on household chores or care for their children, their chances of completing primary and secondary education decline. Access to technical and university education also becomes more difficult.
Interrupting their education has lasting effects on their employment prospects. Without academic qualifications or professional experience, many young women face greater barriers to securing stable jobs and earning their own income. Economic dependence on their partners can persist for years, making it harder for them to leave abusive relationships or rebuild their lives.
The impact can also be passed on to the next generation. When young mothers lack education, health care and economic opportunities, their children may grow up in more vulnerable circumstances. In this way, poverty and gender inequality reinforce each other and become entrenched.
Pregnancy during childhood is another major concern associated with these unions. Girls may face physical and emotional risks, as well as the challenges of balancing motherhood with their education. A lack of family and institutional support can make returning to school even more difficult.
5 de cada 100 adolescentes mujeres en Colombia están en un matrimonio infantil o unión infantil, temprana forzada.
El Observatorio Contando lo Invisible analiza esta realidad en su la investigación“Crecer demasiado pronto”. https://t.co/c9I4Y09OtF— Fundación PLAN (@FundacionPlan) October 14, 2026
A legal ban that requires effective measures
Colombia has made progress in legally recognizing this problem. In 2025, the country passed Law 2447, banning child marriage and early unions following a legislative process aimed at eliminating exceptions that allowed minors to marry with their parents’ consent.
However, the persistence of these situations shows that a legal ban alone is not enough to eradicate a practice rooted in inequality, social pressure and a lack of opportunities. Informal unions also make it more difficult to identify affected minors and ensure their protection.
Senator Jennifer Pedraza has raised concerns about funding and coordination between the Ministry of Education and the Colombian Family Welfare Institute (ICBF), two key institutions in preventing these situations and assisting girls at risk.
The challenges are particularly significant in rural areas and communities with limited access to public services, where authorities may face greater obstacles in detecting cases and intervening in time.
The response requires coordinated action among schools, social services and child protection agencies. Identifying warning signs, providing psychological and social support, and ensuring that girls can continue their education are essential measures to prevent these unions from determining the course of their lives.
Improving access to sexual and reproductive health services, supporting vulnerable families and promoting cultural changes that challenge the normalization of early unions are also necessary.
Ultimately, Colombia faces the challenge of turning legal protections into an everyday reality through measures that go beyond the law and deliver more effective results. As long as thousands of girls remain exposed to these situations, the country will have to confront not only a violation of children’s rights but also an obstacle to equal opportunities and social development.