Colombian lawmakers ban child marriage after 17 years of advocacy

Colombia has made a historic move by banning child marriage following years of advocacy and failed attempts to pass legislation. After 17 years of campaigning, lawmakers succeeded in closing a 137-year legal loophole that allowed minors to marry. The bill was pushed mainly by advocacy groups fighting against the systematic violence and sexual exploitation of children. The new law reflects Colombia's commitment to the rights of children and aims to align its laws with international standards. Approximately 4.5 million girls and women in the country had married before the age of 18, underlining the need for robust legal protection and social change. The prevalence of child marriage significantly impacted girls, many of whom were forced into early motherhood and deprived of their education and autonomy. This legislation is seen as a vital step toward addressing the cultural and structural issues surrounding child marriage, particularly in rural and impoverished communities where such practices are more common. Despite the success of the legislation, challenges remain, including deeply entrenched patriarchal norms that have historically marginalized girls and women within Colombian society. The approval of this bill was not without opposition, as some lawmakers cited tradition and parental rights, while representatives from various Indigenous communities expressed concerns regarding its implementation. However, advocates argue that eliminating exceptions to the marriage age is critical for protecting the rights of girls and ensuring that they are not regarded as objects, but as individuals with dreams and aspirations. Moving forward, Colombia plans to introduce additional policies in the education sector to tackle the root causes of child marriage. This comprehensive approach is essential for sustaining the progress made through the new law. The government recognizes that while banning child marriage is a monumental achievement, it is only the beginning of a broader effort to champion the rights of children and adolescents in Colombia and promote gender equality throughout society.