The Kabul Tribune (KT) — More than 12 million girls are married before the age of 18 every year, roughly one every three seconds, UN Women said, calling for stronger protections for girls and greater investment in their rights ahead of the International Day of the Girl on Oct. 11.
Globally, one in five girls is married during childhood,
putting their education, health, safety and future opportunities at risk,
according to figures cited by the organization.
“Every girl should grow up free to imagine and shape her own
future — to choose what she learns, what dreams she pursues, and who she wants
to become,” UN Women said in a statement.
The organization stressed that child marriage is preventable
and that progress is possible. Investments in girls’ education, legal reforms
and social protection over the past 25 years have helped avert an estimated 68
million child marriages, according to the statement.
However, UN Women said further progress requires political
commitment and sustained investment to reach every girl at risk.
The organization said investing in girls means more than
protecting them from harm. It also requires keeping them in school, ensuring
access to health care and social services, strengthening their voices and
leadership, and supporting families and communities in respecting their
choices.
Ahead of the Oct. 11 observance, UN Women urged governments,
international partners, civil society organizations, communities and the
private sector to enforce laws protecting girls, expand access to essential
services, challenge harmful social norms and fund organizations led by women
and girls.
It also called for targeted support for girls facing the
greatest risks, including those affected by poverty, conflict, displacement,
disability and humanitarian crises.
“Invest in girls’ rights. End child marriage. Give every
girl the freedom to choose her future,” the statement said.
