Summary
The article discusses the global issue of child marriage, focusing on the risks and negative impacts on young girls. It highlights stories from girls like Binita and Kanada, illustrating the challenges they face and the need for change. The article suggests taking actions, such as changing cultural beliefs, providing better opportunities, and enforcing laws, to help end child marriage.
Key Facts
- Every year, 12 million girls are married before they turn 18.
- Child marriage is linked to intimate partner violence and loss of education.
- 87% of married adolescent girls are not in school globally.
- Despite laws against child marriage, many countries experience informal unions that lack legal protections.
- Social media is contributing to new ways for child marriage to occur, often involving grooming by older men.
- Girls need education, skills training, and health care access to prevent early marriages.
- Changing cultural beliefs and involving men and boys in the conversation is crucial.
- The story of Kanada from Cambodia shows that alternative paths, like vocational training, can empower girls.
