The United Nations says that more than 12 million girls worldwide are married before the age of 18 every year.
Sima Bahous, Executive Director of UN Women, said on Saturday, October 10, that these marriages jeopardise girls’ rights to education, health, security and the ability to choose their own futures.
Bahous raised the issue in a report marking the International Day of the Girl.
The report states that investments in girls’ education, legal reforms and the provision of social support over the past 25 years have helped prevent approximately 68 million child marriages.
UN Women emphasises that ending child marriage is possible, but achieving this goal requires political will, sustained investment, the enforcement of protective laws, and opportunities for girls to access education and essential services.
Bahous called on governments, international organisations, civil society and the private sector to take action to protect girls’ rights, challenge harmful norms and guarantee their right to choose their own futures.
The report was released ahead of the International Day of the Girl on October 11, which is observed annually to highlight girls’ rights and the challenges they face.
