Marriage should be a time for celebration and joy – unless you are one of the 64 million girls around the world forced into marriage before the age of 18. Imagine the life those girls — who are 7, 10 or even 16 years of age — endure.

 

          Child brides have a diminished chance of completing their education and are at a higher risk of being physically abused, contracting HIV and other diseases, and dying while pregnant or giving birth. But it doesn't have to be this way. We need to bring an end to this gross human rights violation that puts the lives of 39,000 more young girls at risk every single day.

 

          We have to work towards gender equality, women's empowerment, champions among men and boys, and an end to violence against women. Together we can end child marriage.