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Physical Autonomy

Physical autonomy refers to the ability of women, adolescents, and girls in all their diversity to live a life free from discrimination, harmful practices, and violence, and to exercise their sexual and reproductive rights in appropriate conditions. 

Indicators

SDG Indicator

Child marriage

About this Indicator

Child marriage and early unions are a harmful practice that violates the human rights of children and adolescents, exposing them—especially girls—to health and life risks while limiting their overall development. These practices are associated with early motherhood, school dropout, lower participation in the labor market as adults, a higher risk of experiencing gender-based violence, and a lack of autonomy in making decisions about their bodies and lives.

This indicator is part of Target 5.3: "Eliminate all harmful practices, such as child, early and forced marriage and female genital mutilation" of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5: "Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls."

Definition
Proportion of women aged 20 to 24 who were married or in union before the ages of 15 and 18. The result is expressed as a percentage. The data source is the UN SDG database, based on Demographic and Health Surveys, Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys, and other sources. Depending on the country, data is available from 2003 to the most recent year.

Latest regulation

  • Physical Autonomy
    Belize
    | 9 Dec 2024 | Child marriage laws

    Marriage (Amendment) Act, 2024

    Ley para modificar la Ley de Matrimonio. Se aumenta la edad para contraer matrimonio a dieciocho años; se eliminan las disposiciones sobre el consentimiento para el matrimonio infantil que deben dar los padres o tutores; y asuntos relacionados.

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  • Physical Autonomy
    Cayman Islands
    | 16 Feb 2021 | Laws against gender-based violence

    Protection from Domestic Violence Act

    This act determines what constitutes an act of domestic violence against a person. Domestic violence includes emotional or psychological abuse; financial abuse; physical abuse; or sexual abuse. 

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  • Physical Autonomy
    Trinidad and Tobago
    | 3 Aug 2017 | Laws against gender-based violence

    Miscellaneous Provisions (Marriage) Act

    This act amends the Marriage and Divorce Act, Chap. 45:02, the Hindu Marriage Act, Chap. 45:03, the Orisa Marriage Act, Chap. 45:04 and the Matrimonial Proceedings and Property Act, Chap. 45:51. Through the modification introduced by Section 3, the marriage of minors under 18 years of age is absolutely prohibited.

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