Colombia’s Congress has passed a landmark bill to prohibit child marriages, marking the culmination of a 17-year-long campaign. The legislation, which bans marriage for anyone under 18, aims to safeguard the rights, education, and development of minors. The proposal still awaits the signature of President Gustavo Petro to become law.

The Journey to Reform

First introduced in 2023, the bill used the slogan “They’re girls, not wives”, highlighting the need to protect young girls from forced marriages, violence, and lost opportunities for education. Until now, Colombia’s civil code allowed minors as young as 14 to marry with parental consent.

“Minors are not sexual objects; they’re girls,” emphasized Congresswoman Clara López Obregón after the bill’s approval. Her sentiment reflects the growing recognition of the need to prioritize the rights and welfare of children over outdated societal norms.

Global Context of Child Marriage

Child marriage affects approximately 12 million girls worldwide annually, according to UNICEF. While global rates have declined over the past decade, dropping from one in four young women aged 20-24 married as children to one in five, the practice remains widespread.

In Latin America, poverty is the primary driver of child marriages. Girls from impoverished families are often married off to wealthier older partners, further entrenching cycles of inequality.

Resistance and Advocacy

Over the years, efforts to end child marriage in Colombia faced significant opposition. Advocacy groups encountered resistance from traditionalists and some Indigenous communities who viewed the bill as an attack on cultural norms and parental authority.

Jennifer Pedraza, a Congresswoman from the Dignity and Commitment Party and co-author of the bill, celebrated the achievement:

“Colombia is making history because, for the first time, we have managed to ban child marriage after trying eight times. This is a great message for Colombia and the world: childhood is important, and we must protect it.”

Advocates like Marta Royo, Executive Director of the non-profit Profamilia, stressed the dire consequences of child marriage:

“Many of these girls have no voice in entering a relationship and even less within it. Their opinions and dreams don’t matter—they are treated as objects.”

What the Law Means for Colombia

Once enacted, this legislation will place Colombia among the 12 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean that have banned child marriage. Beyond prohibiting the practice, it sends a powerful message about the importance of protecting children’s rights and prioritizing their futures.

A Step Towards Global Change

The passage of this bill represents not just a victory for Colombia, but a global call to action against child marriage. By ending this practice, Colombia underscores the importance of respecting and protecting the rights of children, ensuring they have the freedom to pursue education, development, and dreams without the burden of premature marriage.

As Colombia moves closer to implementing this historic reform, it sets an example for other nations to follow, demonstrating that protecting children’s rights is a universal priority.