The Alarming Rise of Child Marriage in Solomon Islands

The Solomon Islands, an island nation in the Pacific, is facing a crisis that has far-reaching consequences for its children and future generations. According to recent reports, one in five girls in Solomon Islands are married before the age of 18, with some as young as 15. This alarming trend poses significant risks to their physical and mental development, undermines their lifetime prospects, and hinders national development.

The Current Situation: A Call for Reform

The Solomon Islands Law Reform Commission is currently reviewing the Islanders’ Marriage and Divorce Act, including assessing whether the marriage age needs to be raised from 15 to 18 years. This review comes at a time when a coalition of charities in Solomon Islands has released a report highlighting the devastating consequences of child marriage.

The Impact of Child Marriage

The report, led by Save the Children, World Vision, and ChildFund, reveals that child marriage has severe consequences for girls and women. According to Jacqui Southey, advocacy and research director at Save the Children, “There was consensus between children and adults, parents and community members that children’s experiences should be playing with their friends, being at school, learning skills.” She added that child marriage can lead to problems such as increased risk of domestic violence, inability to finish school, and greater risk of exploitation.

A Call for Action

Rebekah Armstrong, head of advocacy and justice at World Vision, urged the Solomon Islands government to heed the strong community support for a law change. “We strongly urge Solomon Islands Government to listen to the voices of their people and take decisive action to protect and advocate for the best interests of children,” she said.

A Young Activist Leads the Charge

Destiny, a 17-year-old campaigner to increase the marriage age from 15 to 18 in Solomon Islands, spoke out about the importance of raising the minimum age. “At 15 most are still in a stage of personal development,” she said. “Raising the age of marriage is to ensure that individuals have completed at least a basic level of education and have had time to develop emotionally and mentally.”

A Conclusion: Protecting Solomon Islands’ Future

The alarming rise of child marriage in Solomon Islands demands immediate attention from policymakers, community leaders, and civil society organizations. It is essential to protect the rights and well-being of girls and women, ensuring they have access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. By raising the minimum age for marriage and promoting alternative forms of engagement, we can create a brighter future for Solomon Islands’ children.

End Note

The Solomon Islands government has been urged to take decisive action to address the crisis of child marriage. The international community must also support efforts to protect the rights of girls and women in Solomon Islands. Together, we can ensure that future generations have the chance to reach their full potential.