Unicef’s campaign to end child marriages

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Unicef and First News are highlighting the issue of child marriage, as part of this year’s International Women’s Day – watch our videos and comment below.

It was a storybook wedding – except for one thing.

Weddings are supposed to be joyous and festive occasions, but this one is anything but a fairy tale.

About 15 million girls will be married as children this year – their right to a childhood ripped away. This video produced by Unicef aims to put a spotlight on this grim reality – you can watch the video above.

If current trends continue, the total number of women married in childhood will grow from more than 700 million today to 950 million – almost 1 billion women – by 2030.

Child marriage is not limited to any one religion, country, culture or region. It’s a global problem affecting millions of young girls and their families around the world. But supporting girls in their education and raising awareness about the dangers of child marriage can help more girls and young women realise their right to dictate their own destinies.

In the Zaatari refugee camp in Jordan, 15-year-old Omaymah works with UNICEF to get girls back into the classroom.

Omaymah also tries to help stop girls getting married too young – watch our video Child Brides about Omaymah’s work here.

Please show your support for ending child marriage by helping to spread the word.

#ENDChildMarriage

#BeBoldForChange

#IWD2017

Have your say in the comments below

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3 Comments

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· 7 years ago

It seems so nice to think of making the vows. But the reality is it could change and ruin your life. You know the custom of the father walking the bride down the aisle? It means: 'This girl belongs to me and I'm giving her for you to own.' Like you're the groom's property. But you belong to yourself.

Sashgirl06 · 7 years ago

dottiegirl That's exactly what I think. Girls shouldn't be 'given away' by their fathers to the groom. It's not fair on the girl, she's a person, not an object. You should only marry someone if you want to marry them, but not many under-18-year-old girls would want to get married yet. Personally, I think the bride should be walked down the isle by their mother, instead of their father - but that's just my opinion.

· 7 years ago

It is probably never the girl's choice about getting married at a very young age, so her parents forced her to. I mean like how unfair is that. Seriously.