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CodeSP.M18.2024.FE.ZS
Indicator NameWomen who were first married by age 18 (% of women ages 20-24)
Short definitionWomen who were first married by age 18 refers to the percentage of women ages 20-24 who were first married by age 18.
Long definitionWomen who were first married by age 18 refers to the percentage of women ages 20-24 who were first married by age 18.
SourceUNICEF Data, UN Children's Fund (UNICEF), uri: https://sdmx.data.unicef.org/overview.html, note: Indicator code from the original source: PT_F_20-24_MRD_U18; Indicator name from the original source: Percentage of women (aged 20-24 years) married or in union before age 18, type: API; DHS API, DHS Program (ICF), uri: https://api.dhsprogram.com/#/index.html, note: Indicator code from the original source: MA_MBAG_W_B18; Indicator name from the original source: Women first married by exact age 18, type: API
TopicGender: Agency
DatasetWDI
Unit of measure% of women ages 20-24
PeriodicityAnnual
Reference period1985-2023
Statistical concept and methodologyMethodology: Number of women aged 20-24 who were first married or in union before age 18 divided by the total number of women aged 20-24 in the population multiplied by 100. The primary sources for this indicator are the Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS) and the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS). Additionally, other national household surveys and censuses contribute to the data. These figures are compiled by UNICEF, which coordinates with countries to gather the information. Statistical concept(s): This indicator includes both formal marriages and informal cohabiting relationships. Informal relationships are usually defined as those where a couple lives together with the intention of a long-term relationship but without a formal civil or religious ceremony. The incidence of child marriage is assessed retrospectively among women who are past the risk of marrying as children. The age range of 20 to 24 years is conventionally used to reflect the current prevalence of child marriage.
Development relevanceAlthough the legal age of marriage is defined as 18 years in most countries, the practice of child marriage remains widespread. A women’s access to education and later her employment opportunities as well as the nature and terms of her work are often compromised by this practice. Young married girls whose schooling is cut short often lack the knowledge and skills for formal work and are limited to occupations with lower incomes and inferior working conditions. Sustainable Development Goal 5 commits to eliminate the practice of child marriage.
Limitations and exceptionsThe measure of child marriage is designed to be retrospective, focusing on the age at first marriage among adult women who have already passed the risk period. Although it is feasible to assess the current marital status of girls under 18, this approach could underestimate the true extent of child marriage. This is because girls who are not married at the time of survey may still marry before reaching 18.
Other notesThis is the Sustainable Development Goal indicator 5.3.1[https://unstats.un.org/sdgs/metadata/].
License URLhttps://datacatalog.worldbank.org/public-licenses#cc-by
License TypeCC BY-4.0
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