Child, early, and forced marriage (CEFM), otherwise commonly known as “child marriage”, has been a contentious subject for many, especially in the Asia-Pacific region. All of the things CEFM represents – lack of free, full, and informed consent, limitation of bodily integrity and the enjoyment of childhood – has long been part and parcel of patriarchal culture that women experience almost on a daily basis in some parts of the world; thus, while it has adverse consequences for both boys and girls, there is no denying the fact that it affects the latter more than the former due to legacy systemic inequalities. Within this context, the current paper presents the major root causes and drivers of CEFM such as religious and cultural justifications and poverty, as well as recommendations that will ensure SRHR and the wellbeing and potential of girls in the Asia-Pacific region.
