Exploring the History of Child Marriage in Europe: A Dark Past Uncovered

Child marriage was a common practice in Europe throughout history, although it is now widely frowned upon and even illegal in many countries. In medieval times, it was not uncommon for girls as young as 12 or 13 to be married off to older men for various reasons, including political alliances, financial gain, and social status. These young brides often had little to no say in the matter and were seen as property to be traded between families.

The practice of child marriage was particularly prevalent among the nobility and royalty, where strategic marriages were used to solidify power and expand territory. Girls were married off as soon as they reached puberty, sometimes even before, in order to secure alliances and ensure the continuation of family lines. These unions were often loveless and purely transactional, with the well-being of the child bride being of little concern.

While child marriage has significantly decreased in Europe in modern times, it still persists in certain communities and cultures. Immigrant populations from countries where child marriage is still practiced sometimes bring the tradition with them, leading to cases of underage marriage within these communities. In some cases, girls are taken out of school and forced into marriage at a young age, perpetuating cycles of poverty and gender inequality.

Efforts have been made to combat child marriage in Europe, including raising awareness, providing support and resources for at-risk girls, and implementing stricter laws and regulations. Organizations and activists work tirelessly to protect young girls from being forced into marriage and to ensure that they have the opportunity to make their own choices and pursue their education and dreams. While progress has been made, there is still work to be done to completely eradicate the harmful practice of child marriage in Europe and around the world.

Nada Alahdal

Human right activist
Nada Foundation