The Disturbing Tradition of Child Brides in Mexico

A Shocking Reality for Young Girls

For many girls, the dream of a beautiful wedding is a cherished aspiration. However, in some parts of the world, this dream is overshadowed by a grim reality. In Mexico, particularly in the southern regions, there exists a disturbing tradition where young girls are sold as brides. This practice has persisted for centuries among indigenous communities, where parents sell their underage daughters for sums ranging from $2,000 to $18,000.

Despite growing opposition to this tradition, efforts to eradicate it have not gained sufficient traction. A poignant example is 14-year-old Eloina Feliciano, who pleaded with her mother not to arrange her marriage, but her cries went unheard. Eloina recalls her desperate request, stating, "We are not animals; animals are sold, not us."

In Guerrero, numerous communities still engage in such transactions, although there is a rising movement against the sale of daughters. Reports indicate that parents demand between $2,000 and $18,000 for their daughters.

Barrera, the director of the Tlacochinolan Center for Human Rights of the Mountain, emphasizes the vulnerability of these girls, who often become slaves to their new families, subjected to domestic and agricultural labor, and sometimes even sexual exploitation. This long-standing tradition raises serious ethical concerns, especially as human rights advocates struggle to address the issue.

With a population of 126 million in Mexico, 10% of whom belong to indigenous communities, and nearly 70% living in poverty, economic factors may play a significant role in perpetuating this practice. Regardless, selling girls in this manner is a violation of human dignity and must be stopped, allowing young women like Feliciano the freedom to choose their own paths and partners.