Married off instead of schooled. Around 5,600 marriages involving minors are registered in Tajikistan each year

Around 5,600 marriages involving underage girls take place in Tajikistan every year, yet only a small fraction are officially registered. This is the conclusion of the authors of a new UNICEF study examining the causes of early marriage, its consequences for the health of mothers and children, and the influence of family traditions, poverty and gender stereotypes. Experts recommend setting the minimum marriage age at 18 without exceptions and creating more opportunities for girls to continue their education and make their own choices about their future.

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