Child marriage in Zimbabwe is common. As of 2019, approximately 1 in 3 girls in Zimbabwe are married before age 18.[1][2]
Early pregnancy can pose a health risk. In July 2021, a 15-year-old girl, who was married to a 26-year-old man, died giving birth inside a church.[3]
| Indicator | Gender/current age | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Marriage or union before age 15 | Women aged 15–49 years Men aged 15–49 years Men aged 15–54 years |
5.0% 0.3% 0.3% |
| Marriage or union before age of 18 | Women aged 20–49 years Men aged 20–49 years Men aged 20–54 years |
32.8% 3.7% 3.9% |
| Young people age 15–19 years currently married or in union | Women Men |
24.5% 1.7% |
| In a polygynous union | Women aged 15–49 years Men aged 15–49 years Men aged 15–54 years |
10.1% 3.8% 4.1% |
| Spousal age difference | Young women married or in union and whose spouse is 10 or more years older: among women aged 15–19 years among women aged 20-24 years |
19.9% 17.5% |