Discussion Guide for

Child
Brides
A f t e r v ie w in g “ C hild B r ides,” use this guide to research the practice of families
selling their young daughters into marriage, reflect on how the video impacted you, recall what
you learned, respond in tangible ways, reach out with life-changing help, resolve to follow
God’s Word, and rely on His goodness and power.

Research
»

In most parts of the world, the practice of girls marrying before the age of
14 (the technical definition of “child marriage”) has been outlawed. But it still occurs
in many countries.

»

Eac h day, 3,500 gir ls will mar ry before reaching their fifteenth birthdays.
Another 21,000 girls under the age of 18 marry each day. (Source: “Child Marriage
in the Context of the HIV Epidemic,” Promoting Healthy, Safe, and Productive
Transitions to Adulthood Brief no. 11)

»
The t o ta l number o f child br ides is expected to reach up to 100
million within the next decade. Already, 51 million girls in the developing world have
been married before legal adulthood (age 18). (Source: International Center for
Research on Women (ICRW), “Seeking Policy Solutions,” Too Young to Wed: Education and
Action Toward Ending Child Marriage)

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»

B e in g f o r ced t o mar ry too young can hurt girls in many ways. Child brides
are forced to leave school and lose the chance of an education. Becoming sexually
active at such young ages exposes the girls to potential injury and infection. Bearing
children before the girls are mentally, emotionally, and physically ready exposes them
and their children to serious health problems. In fact, babies born to adolescent
mothers are twice as likely to die before their first birthday compared to infants of
older women.

»

I n A f gha n istan, the setting of this documentary, the Ministry of Women’s
Affairs reports that almost 60 percent of girls are married before the age of 16. In rural
areas, the average age is 11 or 12.

Reflect
»

Why do y o u t hink families continue to sell their young daughters even
when it is against the law?

» H o w do e s being fo r ced to marry at a young age affect a girl’s future?

» H o w hav e t he y ear s of war affected innocent families in Afghanistan?

Recall
» What c ir cumstances can lead a family to sell their young daughter into
marriage?

» H o w ha s Wo r ld Visio n begun to make a difference for young girls in

Afghanistan?

Respond
» Dis c us s how development in the community would make a difference in girls’ lives.

»

We s aw in t he v ideo how the opportunity to get an education makes a
difference in the lives of girls in Afghanistan. How has education made a difference in
your life?

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Reach Out
Consider making a difference in the following ways:

»

P r ay da ily for girls and women living in Afghanistan and other countries where
they are denied education and rights and are forced to marry at a young age. Pray
that God will strengthen and provide for them.

»

Sp o ns o r a child through World Vision. For about a dollar a day, you’ll help
provide your sponsored child with access to critical basics such as clean water,
improved nutrition, healthcare, and education. Your gifts will help make a world of
difference for one child and his or her family and community. For sponsorship
information, visit www.worldvisionresources.com.

»
D o n at e it ems from the World Vision Gift Catalog to help communities with
development projects that will benefit their children for generations to come.
Gifts include items such as goats, mother and child healthcare, small business loans,
fruit trees, school fees, and even bicycles to help children get to school. Consider
asking family and friends to donate items instead of buying gifts for you or
each other. Visit www.worldvisionresources.com and click on “programs and events”
for more information.

»

B e c o m e e d ucat ed about child brides so that you can advocate on behalf of
programs that will empower communities to break the cycle of child marriage.

Resolve
»

I t is f o r f r eedo m that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let
yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. —Galatians 5:1

»

I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted
me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave
me a firm place to stand. —Psalm 40:1-2

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Rely
P r ay t h at:

»

F unding and o t her r eso ur ces necessary to feed and educate young girls
and their families will be readily available.

»

G o d w o uld co nt inue using community leaders to educate people about the
physical and mental dangers for child brides.

» P e ace a n d stabilit y would take hold in the country of Afghanistan.

The Scripture in this resource is from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright ©
1973, 1978,1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.

During the preparation of this resource, all citations, facts, figures, Internet URLs, and other cited information were
verified for accuracy. World Vision Resources has made every attempt to reference current and valid sources, but we
cannot guarantee the content of any source and we are not responsible for any changes that may have occurred since
our verification. If you find an error in, or have a question or concern about, any of the information or sources listed
within, please contact World Vision Resources.

Copyright © 2011 World Vision, Inc., Mail Stop 321, P.O. Box 9716, Federal Way, WA 98063-9716,
wvresources@worldvision.org. All rights reserved.

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 About World Vision
W o r l d V is io n is a Christian humanitarian organization
dedicated to working with children, families, and their communities
worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of
poverty and injustice. Motivated by our faith in Jesus Christ, World
Vision serves alongside the poor and oppressed as a demonstration of
God’s unconditional love for all people. We see a world where each
child experiences “fullness of life” as described in John 10:10. And we
know this can be achieved only by addressing the problems of poverty
and injustice in a holistic way. That’s how World Vision is unique:
We bring 60 years of experience in three key areas needed to help
children and families thrive: emergency relief, long-term development,
and advocacy. And we bring all of our skills across many areas of
expertise to each community we work in, enabling us to care for
children’s physical, social, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

Partnering with World Vision provides tangible ways to honor

God and put faith into action. By working, we can make a lasting
difference in the lives of children and families who are struggling to
overcome poverty. To find out more about how you can help, visit
www.worldvision.org.

About World Vision Resources

E nding gl o bal po v ert y and injustice begins with education:
understanding the magnitude and causes of poverty, its impact on
human dignity, and our connection to those in need around the world.

World Vision Resources is the publishing ministry of World Vision.

World Vision Resources educates Christians about global poverty,
inspires them to respond, and equips them with innovative resources
to make a difference in the world.

For more information about our

resources, contact:
World Vision Resources
Mail Stop 321
P.O. Box 9716
Federal Way, WA 98063-9716
Fax: 253-815-3340
wvresources@worldvision.org
www.worldvisionresources.com

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