Youth Rights, Marriage, Education Access, and Health: A Global Analysis of Legal Protections and Policy Gaps

• In Event: A Future Advancing Gender Equity

Abstract

This global study analyzes how legal and cultural factors influence minimum legal marriage age and their implications for gender equity, maternal health, and education. Using data from over 190 countries and the World Bank’s 2023 income classifications, it examines the effects of religious/customary law exceptions and gender disparities. Findings show that legal loopholes disproportionately impact girls, allowing significantly lower marriage ages. Surprisingly, countries with higher legal marriage ages had higher maternal mortality rates, indicating that legal reform alone cannot ensure improved outcomes. The study highlights that without supportive health and social infrastructure, raising the legal marriage age may be ineffective. To achieve meaningful progress, legal changes must be paired with comprehensive health and education policies.

Authors

• Prattama Santoso Utomo, University of Rochester

• Jialin Yan, University of Rochester