Child marriage remains one of the most widespread violations of ladies’ rights, denying many the chance to stay in school, protect their health, live free from violence and fulfil their potential.
United Nations (UN) says the trend can have severe and lasting consequences for girls’ physical and mental health, increasing risks of social isolation, depression and emotional distress at a time when self-harm remains a major cause of death among adolescent girls aged 15-19 globally.
“But this is not inevitable. Thanks to investments in girls’ education, legal reform and social protection, an estimated 68 million child marriages have been averted over the past 25 years, proving that progress is possible when girls are supported and their rights are protected,” UN says.
It adds: “We have the solutions: keeping girls in school; expanding access to health, protection and social services; working with families and communities to challenge harmful norms; investing in girls’ rights and supporting their leadership.”
Celebrated every October 11, International Day of the Girl is a global moment to celebrate girls everywhere, amplifying their voices, actions and leadership.
Day belongs to everyone who cares about girls and their rights. On this day, stakeholders, including not only girls, but also girls’ organizations and girl-led networks, and civil society organizations and UN partners, come together to recognize and advocate for the full spectrum of girls’ rights.
According to the organization, each year, more than 12 million girls, which is about one every three seconds, are married before reaching adulthood, with the highest prevalence in sub-Saharan Africa (31 percent).
This means this year’s “end child marriage and invest in girls’ rights” theme hopes to stave off deep child marriage issue, and end lack of investment in girls’ rights.
“Every girl deserves a childhood. Every girl deserves the freedom to learn, to grow, to make her own choices and to define her own future. Yet millions of girls are still denied that freedom.
“Now we must go further – and faster. It is in our power to ensure that every girl, everywhere, can realize her rights and fulfil her potential,” UN says.
Girls should be safe, educated and empowered, and not drained by “weak” families. Main aim is to help them transform their own lives, help build healthier families, stronger communities and more peaceful, prosperous societies.
Leave a comment