Tusi Tala, Staff Writer
The Solomon Islands Law Reform Commission is currently evaluating the Islanders’ Marriage and Divorce Act, specifically considering raising the legal marriage age from 15 to 18 years.
A report from a coalition of charities in the Solomon Islands, known as Solomon Islands Endim Vaelens Agenstims Pikinini, revealed that one in five girls in the country is married before age 18, with the rate rising to one in four in rural areas. Additionally, around six percent of girls are married before they turn 15.
In a report featured in Pacific Waves on December 5, 2024, Save the Children, World Vision, and ChildFund conducted interviews with over 200 children, young individuals, and adults. According to Jacqui Southey, Save the Children’s advocacy and research director, there is considerable public backing for raising the marriage age. She noted a shared sentiment among children and adults, including parents and community members, that children’s time should be spent playing, attending school, and acquiring skills. There are concerns that early marriage can lead to serious issues, such as a heightened risk of domestic violence, difficulties in completing education, limited job prospects, and greater vulnerability to exploitation.
Rebekah Armstrong, head of advocacy and justice at World Vision, emphasized that the Solomon Islands government should pay attention to the strong community support for changing the law. “We strongly urge the Solomon Islands Government to heed the voices of their people and take decisive action to protect and advocate for the best interests of children,” she stated.
Destiny, a 17-year-old advocate for raising the marriage age, expressed that at 15, many individuals are still developing personally. She observed that some girls in her community have married before turning 18 and reflected on the challenges of married life, noting that marriage is a significant commitment. Destiny asserted that increasing the marriage age would allow individuals to complete at least a basic education and develop emotionally and mentally.
