Mass weddings as social policy: What happens after the ceremony? (2), By Ismail Ahmed

The lesson is therefore not that mass weddings necessarily facilitate child marriage, but that whenever public authorities finance marriage – particularly for economically vulnerable or orphaned young women – age verification, free and informed consent, safeguarding, continued access to education and meaningful livelihood options should be built into the programme from the outset.

It is the household… Five years later, success should mean that a woman is safer and more economically secure; that the household can afford nutritious food; that pregnancy and childbirth are supported by functioning health services… The discussion about mass weddings must also distinguish carefully between the beneficiaries and the wider problem of child marriage.

Five years later, success should mean that a woman is safer and more economically secure; that the household can afford nutritious food; that pregnancy and childbirth are supported by functioning health services; that births are registered; that children are immunised and learning; that girls remain in school; and that families can obtain counselling, social protection and justice when they need them.