New Study Reveals Why Child Marriage Persists in Tajikistan and the Implications for Girls and National Development

A new national study on child marriage in Tajikistan finds that while underaged marriage is declining, many girls continue to marry before the age of 18, with significant consequences for their education and health, economic productivity, the health of their newborn babies, and the country’s overall development. The study was conducted by UNICEF and the Strategic Research Centre under the President of the Republican of Tajikistan with support from UNRCO, UNDP, UNFPA, UN Women and WFP.  

One of the most concerning findings was that stunting was significantly prevailing among children born to early marriage. Ending child marriage could generate notable economic returns worth $19.4mln annually through increase of number women in skilled workforce, reduced pressure on social services, and reductions in child stunting and its long-term consequences.  

Study Findings 

Combining national survey data, economic analysis and qualitative research, the study provides the most comprehensive picture to date of child marriage in Tajikistan. It finds that 8.8% of women aged 20–24 were married before age 18, compared with 10.7% of women aged 25–29 and 13.9% of women aged 30–34. These differences suggest progress over the past decade, although Tajikistan continues to have high rates of child marriage in Central Asia. 

The study also reveals a gap between families’ attitudes towards child marriage and the alternatives they believe are available to girls. While 96% of parents and caregivers agree that child marriage should be stopped in their communities and 89% consider it a form of violence against children, 58% still believe marriage is the best option available for girls. Nearly one-third (31%) agree that securing a good marriage opportunity can be more important than continuing a girl’s education. Almost half believe boys’ education should be prioritized when resources are scarce. 

These findings suggest that child marriage increasingly persists not because it is broadly supported, but because many families lack confidence in alternative pathways for girls. Parents and caregivers largely recognize its harmful consequences, yet many continue to view marriage as one of the best available options when educational and economic opportunities are limited.  

The study finds no single cause of child marriage. Girls’ limited agency in decisions about marriage combines with persistent expectations that they should prioritize marriage and motherhood over education and careers. Economic insecurity and concerns about girls’ futures also contribute, alongside pressure linked to family honour and reputation. Weak enforcement of marriage laws, loopholes allowing for court permitted marriage, and the continued existence of informal and unregistered marriages further sustain the practice. 

Social and Economic Implications 

The consequences are substantial for girls, their families and the nation. Girls who marry before age 18 complete significantly less schooling, with child marriage associated with an 11% reduction in women’s educational attainment. Most girls who marry before 18 become mothers shortly afterwards, leaving little opportunity to continue their education or build skills. 

Child marriage is also closely linked to adolescent pregnancy and higher lifetime fertility. Approximately three out of four births before age 18 are associated with child marriage, and women who marry before 18 have 12% more children over their lifetime than women who marry later. Children born to mothers who gave birth before age 18 face approximately four times higher odds of stunting before age five. 

The economic analysis estimates that ending child marriage could generate USD 16.6 million annually through gains in women’s education, productivity and future earnings, alongside USD 2.8 million annually through reductions in child stunting and its long-term consequences. Lower fertility could bring additional savings by reducing pressure on education and health systems. 

Conclusions and Recommendations 

The findings demonstrate that child marriage is both a violation of girls’ rights and a development challenge. It limits educational achievement, reduces economic productivity, contributes to poorer outcomes for children and slows national progress. 

It also concludes that ending child marriage requires coordinated action across education, social protection, health, legal systems and community engagement.  

The recommendations include removing legal exceptions that allow marriage before 18, strengthening birth and marriage registration, and improving enforcement and institutional accountability. It recommends reducing barriers to girls’ education, supporting married girls and adolescent mothers to return to school, and expanding social protection, vocational training and pathways to decent employment. 

These measures should be accompanied by efforts to engage families, religious leaders and communities in challenging harmful gender norms and supporting girls’ participation in decisions affecting their lives. Confidential, adolescent-friendly reproductive health services should help married and unmarried adolescents make informed choices, tailoring support for girls already married to local circumstances. 

 When girls are able to stay in school and pursue opportunities on equal terms, the benefits extend beyond individual girls to families, communities, and the future development of Tajikistan