Early marriages in Roma communities in Bulgaria.. The topic was analyzed in the latest study by the “Amalipe“ Center. How traditions, poverty, low education, social isolation and distrust of institutions maintain the practice… Anna Velkova from the “Amalipe“ Center for Interethnic Dialogue and Tolerance speaks to FACTI.
- Ms. Velikova, you recently participated in an analytical report on early marriages in Roma communities. Children give birth to children. How big a problem is this?
- Many people underestimate early marriages as a problem, judging by official statistics. NSI data show that
Registered marriages in the youngest age groups – between 13 and 17 years old – are under 100 per year,
but in the field we see significantly more children living in informal cohabitations. Some areas are most affected – such as Plovdiv and Pazardzhik in Central South Bulgaria, Sliven and Yambol in South-East Bulgaria, as well as parts of North-East Bulgaria. In these communities, girls often leave school at 13-14 years old, become socially isolated and are exposed to health risks. The problem is most common in conservative groups and in the most marginalized families, where poverty and lack of education further exacerbate it. This is not just a tradition – the problem really affects the lives of children and families. Statutory measures are needed, but also real field work with children and their parents.
- What facts did you collect in your study?
- The study revealed that the perception of early marriages varies. Among educators, about 43% believe that they are common, 36% - that they are rather the exception, and just over 10% do not know of such cases. Among mediators, the figures are slightly different. Among mediators, 28.8% indicate that they are common, 36.4% - that they are rather the exception, and 21.2% - that they are not. that they are not aware of any cases.
The type of settlement also has an impact.
Educators do not see much difference between urban and rural areas, while mediators note that the phenomenon is most common in urban neighborhoods and less common in villages.
Regionally, Sliven and Yambol are the most affected, and Northwestern Bulgaria seems to be the safest.
The views of men and women are also different. Men believe that early marriages are less common today, while women do not notice any significant change. Women educators and mediators are more likely not to accept stereotypes such as “early marriages are an important part of Roma culture“ or that girls aged 14-17 should get married if they have had sexual intercourse.
From the field discussions it became clear that Roma neighborhoods are changing rapidly.
Free movement in the EU and access to the labor market lead to new values and more choices for girls. At the same time, social divisions are emerging. Some children are motivated and succeed in school, while for others the risk of dropping out increases due to the large generation gap and neglect by parents and their relatives in general.
- From Roma - parents and children, you often hear: “Is this a tradition?“ How do you answer them...
- First of all, I always say that early marriages are not a Roma tradition. This is a practice that has occurred in the past among different people and communities, but it is not something that should be repeated today. Very often parents act with the best intentions - they want to protect their daughter's honor or provide security for the family. But, in the end, this deprives children of the opportunity to choose and learn while they are still young. I explain to them that girls have the right to education and time to grow up and make decisions for their own lives. Often parents and children understand that following this "tradition" is not mandatory and that a balance can be found - respect for the family and at the same time freedom and opportunity for development. I always try to show that change is possible. I give examples of young people (not only girls) from the community who have "fought" tradition and have chosen the path of education and the fulfillment of their dreams. Young people who could easily have been the next child-parent of a child, but chose the path of education and the chance to practice a dream profession. Many families are now beginning to see the benefits of their children learning and having time to grow up, rather than marrying too early. When parents understand this, and children feel supported in their dreams, a real dialogue begins - and then change is no longer abstract, but a real part of their lives.
- The education and social integration of Roma girls. Where does the thread break, so that girls give birth at 13, 14 years old…
- Education and social integration are crucial for the future of Roma girls, but often their connection with school is lost as early as 12-13 years old.
The reasons are complex – poverty, lack of support in the family, social pressure and misunderstanding of the importance of school.
When a girl leaves school, she remains more isolated, loses contact with her peers and the opportunity to learn more about the world and her rights, which increases the risk of early marriages and early births. The role of the family and community is also key – if parents do not have resources or information for support, and the social environment is conservative, the girl is left with no choice. Education is not just school – it provides knowledge, self-confidence and social skills that help young girls make informed decisions and protect themselves. When they have support and the opportunity to learn, the risk of becoming mothers at 13-14 years old is significantly reduced.
- Your report was prepared within the framework of the project “Marriage can wait, education - not“. Is this message understood in Roma communities…
- The message of the project “Marriage can wait, education - not“ is already reaching children and families in Roma communities, although the degree of acceptance varies. In communities that are gradually moving from patriarchal to more modern attitudes, the idea that education should be a priority over early marriages is well received.
Since the beginning of October 2025, over 900 children have undergone trainings in “peer-to-peer“, in which the students themselves teach their classmates, and the teachers only support.
This approach is very powerful because the message comes directly from the peers and is perceived more naturally. In more conservative neighborhoods, there is still resistance, but the project opens a dialogue and gradually changes attitudes – even small successes, such as greater motivation for school and awareness of the future, are already visible.
- What are the factors that lead to early marriages?
- Early marriages occur because of several main factors, which often intertwine – poverty, social norms, lack of perspective and education. When families lack resources, when society expects certain behavior from girls and when school is not a priority, the risk of early marriage increases. Therefore, it is important to address the problem comprehensively – through education, community support and dialogue with parents.
- What role does the community have?
- The community plays a key role. It can be both a factor that supports early marriages and a powerful tool for change. In more conservative neighborhoods, social expectations and pressure on families often direct parents to decide on the marriage of their children. Sometimes it is the community that dictates the rules of “honor“ and “permissible behavior“, which makes it difficult for girls to choose their own path. On the other hand, the community also has positive potential. Where changes are already being observed – for example, through active mediators, schools and projects such as “Marriage can wait, education – no“ – the community supports children to learn, dream and make informed decisions. The effect of peer training and examples from the younger generation is visible, which gradually change attitudes. The community can also be a bridge – when parents, teachers and local leaders begin to talk openly about education and children's rights, the pressure for early marriages decreases, and children feel supported and safe. It is through the active participation of the community that change becomes possible and sustainable.
- How healthy are the children of child mothers?
- Children who become mothers at 13-14 years old do not yet have fully developed organisms, and the birth itself can further damage their body and health. Because of this, the children of such mothers are more vulnerable and complications often occur for both the mother and the baby. Particularly risky are cases in marginalized neighborhoods, where young mothers sometimes lack sufficient support and knowledge for proper care. That is why education and support are so important - the more prepared a girl is, the better the chances are for her health and the health of her future child.
- How aware a mother is a 13 or 14 year old girl…
- A girl of 13 or 14 is still a child and does not have the mental and emotional maturity to be a truly conscious mother. She is just learning to make decisions about herself, her body and her future, and taking care of another human being is a huge burden. Often, young mothers cannot provide their child with the necessary care and attention, because they themselves need support, protection and time to grow up. Early motherhood takes away the opportunity to learn, play and simply be a child. Even if she decides to continue her education later, it is much more difficult because she has a family to take care of. That is why it is so important to work to ensure that girls have time to grow up, learn and prepare for their future before taking on the responsibility of being mothers.
- Is the state present in this “conversation“ with children mothers...
- The state is present in this conversation through laws and institutions that protect children, but often the measures do not reach the children who are most in need. The work of the Center “Amalipe“ and the project “Marriage can wait, education - not” has been presented to the Ministry of Social Affairs, the State Agency for Child Protection and regional governors, who truly support tackling the problem. Within the framework of a special Action Plan, cooperation between social services, schools, health institutions and non-governmental organizations is envisaged, as well as educational and preventive initiatives for young girls and their families. State representatives clearly emphasize that early marriages and births are not a cultural tradition, but a serious violation of children's rights.