Bangladesh has the highest rate of child marriage in Asia and ranks eighth globally, according to a report published by UNICEF, UN Women, and Plan International on International Women's Day.
The report, titled "Girls' Goals: What Has Changed for Girls? Adolescent Girls' Rights Over 30 Years," was released on Saturday, March 8.
Child Marriage in Bangladesh
The report reveals that 51.4% of women aged 20-24 in Bangladesh were married before the age of 18. This widespread practice contributes to a cycle of poverty, health risks, and limited opportunities for girls, ultimately affecting the country's economic growth.
Additionally, 24% of Bangladeshi women aged 20-24 gave birth before turning 18. Among teenage girls aged 15-19, 28% have faced physical or sexual violence from their partners in the past year. Alarmingly, only 47% of married adolescent girls can make informed decisions about reproductive health.
The report evaluates the progress made since the 1999 Beijing Declaration, which aimed to advance women's rights globally.
Progress and Challenges
While investments in education and healthcare have led to some improvements, Bangladesh remains significantly behind. Despite progress in reducing child marriage globally, over 50% of girls in Bangladesh still experience this harmful practice—the highest rate in Asia.
The report warns that no country has met even half of the 16 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) essential for adolescent girls' development. With just five years left to achieve the 2030 SDG targets, urgent action is needed.
Experts' Perspectives
Rana Flowers, UNICEF Representative in Bangladesh, emphasized that adolescent girls want to contribute to the nation's progress, but barriers like child marriage and gender-based violence limit their potential. She stressed the need for life skills training, digital education, and stronger measures to prevent child marriage and early pregnancies.
Geetanjali Singh, UN Women Bangladesh Representative, highlighted the lack of education and persistent risks of violence faced by many girls. She called for an "all-hands-on-deck" approach to empowering girls and investing in their leadership skills. She noted that investing in girls is not only a moral obligation but also a strategic decision for national development.
Currently, only 59.22% of Bangladeshi girls complete secondary education. The report underscores the need for stronger governmental and societal efforts to achieve the 2030 SDG target for girls’ education.
Digital Literacy Gap
Bangladesh is among the seven countries where digital literacy among adolescent girls and young women is 2% or lower.
Kabita Bose, Country Director of Plan International Bangladesh, acknowledged the country’s efforts to reduce adolescent pregnancies, increase skilled birth attendance, and improve women's participation in economic activities. However, she warned that girls and young women are significantly behind in digital skills, limiting their opportunities in an increasingly technology-driven world.
