One in five girls still married before 18 – UNICEF
One in five girls worldwide is still married before the age of 18, according to UNICEF, even as the agency reports that 68 million child marriages have been averted over the past 25 years. In a post obtained from UNICEF’s website on Monday, the agency attributed the progress to investments in girls’ education, legal reform Read More:…
Despite a 68 million reduction in child marriages over the past quarter-century, UNICEF reports that one in five girls worldwide still marries before the age of 18. This grim statistic, highlighted on International Day of the Girl Child, is attributed to investments in education, legal reforms and social protection. The agency emphasizes the need for faster progress, noting that girls' education, health and protection services, community engagement, and leadership support are key solutions.
Approximately 650 million women and girls were married as children, with over 12 million girls still facing early marriage annually. The highest prevalence is in sub-Saharan Africa, at 31 percent. Crises, conflict and displacement exacerbate these issues, with girls in unstable regions facing higher risks of child marriage and violence.
UNICEF stresses that investing in girls' rights is crucial for their health, education, and future potential.
Written by urgent.news from Punch Nigeria's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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