Culture, religion and poverty among key drivers of child marriage in Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, a UNICEF study finds

©UNICEF Philippines/2022/Martin San Diego

Cotabato City, Philippines — Child marriage continues to jeopardize the future of thousands of children in Jolo, the capital of Sulu; and in Bongao, the capital of Tawi-Tawi, according to a new UNICEF study launched today.

With 1 in 6 girls married before they turn 18, the Philippines ranks 12th in the world in terms of the absolute number of child marriages.

In 2021, the Bangsamoro Women Commission estimated that 88,600 girls had been married before turning 18. A survey conducted by Plan International and the Women’s Refugee Commission revealed that for every 100 girls in BARMM, 15 are married before age 18, while 2 are married before age 15 — figures significantly higher than the national average. These findings underscore that legislation alone is not enough to end the practice.

The report, Understanding Factors Driving Child, Early, and Forced Marriage and Unions (CEFMU) identifies cultural and religious norms, poverty, and weak enforcement of child protection laws as the primary drivers of child marriage in these two provinces. UNICEF commissioned the report with support from the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

In many cases, early marriage is seen as a way to avoid what is considered haram, a term in the Muslim faith referring to actions forbidden by Islamic law, such as premarital relationships or pregnancies outside marriage. Families facing economic hardship may also view marriage as an escape from financial difficulties.

These factors place children, especially young girls, at risk of losing their right to education, being forced into adult responsibilities before they are ready. At the same time, early pregnancy among girls further compounds their risk to health, safety and overall well-being.

The study highlights how these drivers persist despite the passage of Republic Act 11596 or the Act Prohibiting the Practice of Child Marriage in 2022.

“Every girl deserves the chance to grow into adulthood with dignity, health, and hope. Child marriage and early unions can interrupt education, compromise health, and place girls in roles they are not yet ready for, including motherhood. UNICEF stands with communities of every faith and tradition to protect girls and uphold their right to choose their future,” said Patricia Lim Ah Ken, Child Protection Chief.

Key recommendations include:

• Keeping girls in school by expanding scholarships and alternative learning systems for those at risk of dropping out.
• Supporting families economically through livelihood and women’s empowerment programs so marriage is not seen as the only option.
• Working with religious and community leaders to challenge harmful norms and promote child rights.

The full report is available at www.unicef.org/philippines.

Disclaimer:  

During the period of this study, Sulu was administratively part of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), but it is now no longer under BARMM jurisdiction.