Child marriage is still common in Laos and is increasing among younger girls. About 30.5 percent of women aged 20 to 24 were married before age 18, and 17.4 percent gave birth before age 18. The findings provide a clear national picture of how child marriage affects girls, their children, and the country. The results show that early marriage leads to more and earlier births and greatly increases the risk of children dying before age five or becoming stunted. Girls who marry between the ages of 15 and 17 are 75 times more likely to drop out of school, which strongly reduces their future income and job opportunities. These problems are worst among poor and rural families, meaning the poorest communities suffer the most. Each year, the Lao PDR loses about USD 22 million in women’s earnings and nearly USD 20 million from preventable child deaths and stunting. Ending child marriage protects rights and supports national development.

Pray for the lawmakers in Laos to implement stringent measures to end the child marriage system in the nation. Pray for the Lao government to uphold the rights and freedoms of girls and women in the country (The Holy Bible, Psalm 10:18).

Pray about the increasing child marriages in Laos. Pray for divine protection over all girl children and women in the nation. Pray for improved healthcare for both mothers and children. Pray for equal educational and employment opportunities for girls and boys in the country (The Holy Bible, Psalm 64:1).

News Source: UNICEF

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