Meta-synthesis and meta-analysis of evidence on child marriage in South Asia
Authors: Dr Amelia Smith, Kara Apland, Freya Allery and Ramyah Harrichandiran
December 2024
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In 2024, Coram International conducted a meta-synthesis and meta-analysis of existing evidence on the effectiveness of interventions to prevent and reduce rates of child marriage in South Asia.
This study, undertaken by Coram International for UNICEF Regional Office for South Asia, highlights effective strategies to prevent child marriage in South Asia, offering insights to inform programming and advocacy. It emphasizes shifting the focus from mere school attendance to improving girls’ academic achievement, skill acquisition, and preparation for economic opportunities, which more effectively delays child marriage. Income and economic strengthening interventions emerge as critical strategies to prevent child marriage by increasing girls’ human capital, providing financial literacy, vocational skills, and creating pathways to economic opportunities. Addressing harmful social norms through multi-faceted, community-driven approaches is essential to tackling deep-rooted gender norms. Moreover, adolescent empowerment initiatives that integrate sexual and reproductive health strengthen girls’ agency and decision-making about marriage and their future. The study underscores the need for robust laws complemented by strong accountability mechanisms and enforcement. Tailoring interventions and investing in data generation are vital for sustained impact.
