COVID-19 Pandemic and Women’s Age at Marriage: New Evidence from India

Overview: 

In this One Health Trust co-authored study, researchers studied how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the age at which girls got married in India. They wanted to understand whether the disruptions caused by the pandemic, like school closures and financial challenges, led to earlier or later marriages.   

Changes in the age of marriage can have long-term impacts on girls’ health, education, and opportunities. Understanding these trends helps policymakers design interventions to support girls and their families during crises. 

The Question:  

How did the COVID-19 pandemic affect women‘s age at marriage in India? 

The Findings: 

Using data from India’s National Family Health Survey between 2019 to 2021 and advanced statistical models, the researchers found that women who got married during the pandemic were, on average, 1.1 to 1.2 years older at the time of marriage compared to those married before the pandemic.  This suggests that the pandemic may have delayed marriages due to financial hardships or restrictions on wedding ceremonies.   

Read the article in Population and Development Review here.