The ICRW focuses particular attention on the health and safety concerns raised by child-marriage practices. Because considerable percentages of child brides are younger than 15 and they live in communities with limited access to food, education and health care, those girls are at a higher risk for contracting STDs, experiencing complications or death in childbirth, and losing opportunities for schooling and connection with their peer groups.

The ICRW video, "The Bride Price: Consequences of Child Marriage Worldwide," provides a glimpse into the lives of young brides in Nepal, Afghanistan and Ethiopia. A companion resource is the photo essay, "To Young to Wed: Child Marriage in Their Own Words."

The case of one girl in India demonstrates how attitudes and practices related to child marriage can be overcome. A 12-year-old girl named Rekha Kalindi, who was told by her parents that she was to be married, steadfastly refused to go along with the arrangement because she wanted to continue her education. With the support of friends, teachers and local government officials, Rekha's parents relented. Her story gained enough attention that Rekha and two friends who also refused to become child brides were invited to meet India's president.

Rekha might marry one day, according to The Christian Science Monitor, "but not before 18 at all."

[Image: Ben Arnoldy / Christian Science Monitor]