International Day of the Girl

11th October of this year marks the fifth anniversary of International Day of the Girl Child. Declared an international observance day in 2012 by the United Nations, it marks an annual celebration of girls across the globe, and reminds us of the barriers they face and the challenges they must overcome.

One of the main barriers in Asia is of child marriage. More than 20,000 girls are married every day below the minimum age permitted by national law, according to new research from Save the Children and the World Bank marking the International Day of the Girl.

Also in the world, close to 100 million girls are still not protected against child marriage under national law.

An increasing number of countries are raising the legal age of marriage or eliminating exceptions under the law that allow early marriage with parental consent or court consent. However, implementing these laws is challenging. More than two thirds of all child marriages are still taking place below the minimum age permitted by national law, showing the difficulty in ending the practice.

While some of these marriages are informal as opposed to formal unions, most would likely be illegal under the law. Weak enforcement and a disconnect between national, customary, and religious laws are part of the issue. Deep-rooted traditions and beliefs mean that traditional leaders in communities still too often support the practice.

While some of these marriages are informal as opposed to formal unions, most would likely still be illegal under the law. Weak enforcement and a disconnect between national, customary, and religious laws are part of the issue. Deep-rooted traditions and beliefs mean that traditional leaders in communities still too often support the practice.

Helle Thorning-Schmidt, CEO of Save the Children International, said:

“We will not see a world where girls and boys have the same opportunities to succeed in life until we eradicate child marriage. When a girl gets married too young, her role as a wife and a mother takes over. She is more likely to leave school, she may become pregnant and suffer abuse.

“Laws banning the practice are an important first step. But millions of vulnerable girls will continue to be at risk unless child marriage is tackled head on. We need to change attitudes in communities so that we can end this harmful practice once and for all”.

The longer a girl stays in education, the more likely it is that she grows up healthy, secures a livelihood and has healthy and educated children of her own.”

Afghanistan

#Girlscan be anything they want – doctors, teachers , singers… Encourage girls to follow their dreams. Proud happy faces at a reading competition in Mirwais Girls High school in #Kandahar_city

#Girlscan be anything they want – doctors,teachers,singers..Encourage girls to follow their dreams. RT if you agree#Everylastchild #Dayofgirl

One of the big barriers many Girls face in Asia is of child marriage. More than 20,000 girls are married every day—or about 7.5 million a year are married before the legal age. Girls should be able to choose and can say no. Pls share ahead if you agree.

More than 20,000 girls are married every day before the legal age.#Girlscan choose to say no and be whatever they want to be. RT if you agree

Bangladesh

Meftahun is a speaker of Child Parliament in Bangladesh and gives voice to children, including those who live in remote areas. Sky has always fascinated Meftahun and she firmly set her goals on becoming an astronaut in future.

Meftahun is a speaker of Child Parliament in Bangladesh and gives voice to children and aspires to be an astronaut in future.

“I have experienced all the challenges in my life as married in early age but I don’t want anyone else to experience same problems, I want #Everylastchild to go to school and wish that no girl is forced to get married.”

Jesmin Sultana, Married at 14 years, now working as a child forum member and ending #ChildMarriage in her community.

Jasmin Akter, Married at 14 years, now working as a child forum member and ending #ChildMarriage in her community.

Cambodia

When girls are out of school due to child marriage or teenage pregnancy – they missed out on vital growth. #Girlscan be anything they want – doctors, teachers, singers… Encourage girls to follow their dreams.

When girls are out of school due to migration, helping to make income for the family, or teenage pregnancy – they missed out on vital growth. #Girlscan be anything they want – doctors, teachers, singers… Encourage girls to have dreams for future, and a good education to follow those dreams!

#Girlscan be anything they want – doctors,teachers,singers….Encourage girls to follow their dreams. RT if you agree#Everylastchild #Dayofgirl

INDONESIA

Zahra 12, is a member of the girls football team in Jakarta. She thinks #CeweBisa do anything and dreams of being a football player. If you agree, RT and share this post ahead. #Everylastchild #Yayasan

Zahra, 12 thinks #CeweBisa do anything – she dreams of being a football player. If you agree, RT and share this post ahead. #AnakPerempuanBisa #Yayasan

Nepal

“I am more confident about myself now because I know I have a set of skills in my hand that­­­ no one can take away from me. I know I will be able to start a new business on my own.”

Sangita , Married at 17 years , now an micro-entrepreneur at 21

Sangita thinks #girlscan be entrepreneurs – do you agree?

Share / RT if you do ! #Everylastchild #dayofthegirl#savethechildren

Story of Sangita , Child bride from Nepal

Married at 17 an entrepreneur at 21 by Save the Children on Exposure

Sangita was only 17 when her family married her off. At an age where girls generally go to schools, play and enjoy their childhood she was compelled to shoulder household responsibilities. At 21, she is now a mother to a beautiful three-year-old daughter who constantly smiles and is very smart just like her mother.

Getting to Zero by 2030 : Interview

Getting to Zero by 2030 by Save the Children on Exposure

Question: What does your team do to reduce child marriage in Nepal - It would be interesting to know the success model so far which can inspire further action in the rest of the country.

Philippines

It is amazing how Julaina , 13 pours so much energy into her classes – even after her hour-long journey and a hectic morning at home.

#Girlscan do anything they want. Share ahead if you agree .

Give girls an education and watch them change the world. #Girlscan #Everylastchild