Motherhood in Childhood

PER CENT OF ADOLESCENT GIRLS IN MARRIAGESAND ADOLESCENT BIRTH RATESGirls, ages 15–19Developing RegionsCurrently married (%)Adolescent birth rateArab States 12 50Asia and Pacific 15 80East Asia and Pacific 5 50South Asia 25 88Eastern Europe and Central Asia 9 31Latin America and Caribbean 12 84Sub-Saharan Africa 24 120East and Southern Africa 19 112West and Central Africa 28 129Developing countries 16 85Source: www.devinfo.org/mdg5bPER CENT OF WOMEN REPORTING A FIRST BIRTH BEFORE AGE 18,BY AGE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PARTNERSAge differences between female and male partners Niger Burkina Faso Bolivia IndiaFemale is older than male partner or up to 4 years younger 39.9 21.5 29.7 21.6Female is between 5 and 9 years younger than male partner 60.1 34.4 41.5 32.3Female is at least 10 years younger than male partner 59.0 38.5 45.8 39.1Total 56.8 33.4 34.7 28.5Source: United Nations, 2011a.12 CHAPTER 1: A GLOBAL CHALLENGE