Child Brides

• Photographer
  Lasse Bak Mejlvang, Denmark
• Studio
  Photographer Lasse Bak Mejlvang

Bangladesh is one of the poorest countries in the world with over 40 % of its 160 million people living in extreme poverty. The majority of these destitute people live in remote areas and often have an extremely limited income. Religion and tradition play an important role in these communities. Here, child marriage is regarded as way for the young girls to ensure a secure future for both the girls and their families. Child marriage is illegal by law in Bangladesh. This, however, does not prevent these families from marrying off their young daughters. Child marriage is an intrinsic part of these communities. Here, it is about survival – it is about providing one’s daughter with the best possible future: even if this means that a 12-year-old girl is married to a grown man.