Some of the main reasons why Ethiopia continues to allow child marriage practices is due to religious beliefs, traditional norms, lack of education, and economic relianc while technically still being illegal. Ethiopia is just another example of a developing country in which extreme poverty leads to child marriages.

Is Forced marriage legal in Ethiopia?

Since 2004, the Ethiopian penal code forbids girls to get married before the age of 18, and punishes marriage by abduction with up to 20 years imprisonment. This is being seen as a real step forward according to a number of humanitarian agencies, but one which needs to be promoted and implemented.

Is child marriage a crime?

In case either of the parties is less than 18 years old, the marriage is void, given the age of consent is 18 in India, sex with minors under the age of 18 is a statutory crime under Section 376 of Indian Penal Code.

What is Ethiopian marriage?

The legal age of marriage in Ethiopia is 18 years for both girls and boys, but these laws are not always enforced. However, according to UNICEFs 2017 estimate, 40% of girls are married before the age of 18. 7. Such marriages generally occur among the more economically impoverished communities.