So far, 32 African countries have set the minimum age of marriage at 18 for both girls and boys, and sometimes above, as is the case in Algeria, Lesotho, Libya and Rwanda.

What is the legal age for marriage in Africa?

18 years According to the Civil Code, the minimum age of marriage is 18 years for boys and 15 years for girls, thus highlighting a strong gender gap in the matter, but most unions take place under customary law.

Who is the youngest bride in the world?

Nujood Ali was just an eight-year-old child when her father arranged for her get married. She was one of 16 children. She loved school and playing games with her brothers and sisters.

Can you marry a girl under 18?

The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (PCMA) defines child marriage as marriage in which either the girl or the boy is underage, i.e., the girl is under 18 years of age or the boy is younger than 21 years. If the boy is over 18 years of age at the time of marriage, he will be treated as an offender and can be punished.

Can you marry a 10 year old?

In many cases, minors in the U.S. may be married when they are under the age of sexual consent, which varies from 16 to 18 depending on the state. In some states minors cannot legally divorce or leave their spouse, and domestic violence shelters typically do not accept minors.

Can you marry a 17 year old?

The marriage age is now 18 for both sexes. The consent of at least one parent or guardian is required for a person aged 16 or 17 to get married. Males at the time of marriage must be at least 18 years of age, while females aged 16–17 can marry with the consent of at least one parent or guardian.