Colombia has taken a historic step in the fight against child marriage by outlawing the practice entirely, becoming one of only 12 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean to fully ban marriage under the age of 18. This milestone comes after 17 years of relentless campaigning by advocacy groups and eight failed attempts to pass the legislation through Colombia’s house and senate. The successful passage of the bill, dubbed They Are Girls, Not Wives, signifies a critical turning point in the country’s commitment to protecting children and upholding their rights.

For decades, Colombia operated under a 137-year-old loophole in its civil code that allowed minors to marry with parental consent. In cases where children cohabited for two years, they were also considered to have entered informal marital unions. This practice disproportionately affected girls, perpetuating cycles of poverty, inequality, and systemic violence. According to UNICEF, approximately 4.5 million women and girls in Colombia were married before the age of 18, and of these, a staggering one million were married before they turned 15. Rates of child marriage for girls are three times higher than for boys, particularly impacting those from impoverished, rural, or Indigenous communities.

The consequences of child marriage have long been documented and are devastating. Children who marry are significantly more likely to drop out of school, face early pregnancies, and experience domestic violence. Many girls find themselves in relationships where their voices and choices are disregarded. Their aspirations, dreams, and opportunities for a better life are crushed under societal expectations that normalize child marriage and reduce them to roles as wives and mothers at an alarmingly young age.

Colombian Senator María José Pizarro described the grim reality faced by these young girls: “Their studies, their life project, and their possibility to construct a life for them and their children ends completely.” Advocacy groups have emphasized that the practice robs girls of their childhood, exposes them to sexual exploitation, and keeps them trapped in cycles of dependence and inequality.

The new legislation, passed after five hours of heated debate, prohibits marriage for anyone under 18 without exception. While this marks a monumental legal victory, campaigners stress that the true work lies in implementation. Sandra Ramirez, an adviser for Equality Now in Latin America, highlighted that the legislative change is a necessary first step but must be accompanied by robust policies addressing the root causes of child marriage. Educational initiatives and public awareness campaigns will be critical in ensuring that the law is not just a symbolic victory but a transformative one for the lives of Colombian children.

The deeply ingrained machista culture in Colombia has long served as a barrier to progress on this issue. In many areas, the societal expectation for girls is to become mothers at an early age, a norm that has been perpetuated by decades of patriarchal traditions, internal conflict, and narcoculture. Marta Royo, executive director of Profamilia, explained, “We live in an extremely patriarchal society where there is a deep division between what a man wants and what a girl wants. In many areas, we have a role in life, and that role is simply to be mothers, it doesn’t matter at how early an age.”

Opposition to the legislation has often been rooted in these traditions, as well as arguments citing parental rights. Representatives of some of Colombia’s more than 100 Indigenous communities have also resisted the bill, citing cultural autonomy. Despite these challenges, advocates pointed out that Colombia has a legal and moral obligation to eradicate child marriage as a signatory to international conventions on violence against women. The practice, they argue, cannot be excused under the guise of tradition or cultural norms, especially when it systematically undermines the rights and futures of young girls.

The passage of They Are Girls, Not Wives was a hard-won victory for its co-authors, including Congresswoman Jennifer Pedraza of the Dignity and Commitment Party, who celebrated the legislation as a global message of respect for children’s rights. “Colombia is making history because, for the first time, we have managed to ban child marriage after trying eight times. It is a great message not only for Colombia in terms of respect for the rights of boys and girls, but also for the world,” Pedraza stated after the vote. She added, “Colombian childhood is important, we have to protect it and care for it.”

The advocacy groups behind this movement have been instrumental in shedding light on the exploitative dynamics of child marriage. They have tirelessly campaigned to prioritize the voices of girls and adolescents, ensuring their experiences and perspectives remain central to the fight against this harmful practice. The bill also stipulates that public policies must address the underlying factors driving child marriage, including poverty and lack of education, which are often compounded by gender inequality and social norms.

Although the eradication of child marriage in Colombia represents a significant victory, the road ahead is fraught with challenges. Changing the law is only the beginning; ensuring that it is effectively implemented and that cultural attitudes shift will require a concerted effort from all sectors of society. Educational programs, community engagement, and the empowerment of girls are essential to breaking down the systemic barriers that have allowed child marriage to persist for so long.

Colombia’s decision to ban child marriage is a bold step forward in the global fight against this practice. By aligning its laws with international standards, the country sends a powerful message about the importance of safeguarding the rights and futures of its children. The work of advocacy groups, legislators, and community leaders has demonstrated the power of collective action in achieving meaningful change. This landmark moment offers hope that with continued effort and commitment, future generations of girls in Colombia and beyond will have the opportunity to live free from exploitation and reach their full potential.