Around the world, an estimated 650 million women and girls alive today were married before turning 18. To fight this issue, the United Nations has passed a new resolution calling for an end to child marriage. The resolution highlights growing global recognition that child marriage is a crime and a form of child sexual abuse. As part of the decision, the UN designated November 27 as an official day to bring awareness to ending child and forced marriage.
Experts emphasize that legal age limits alone cannot stop the practice, as social norms and financial pressures often force families to marry off young daughters. In northern Nigeria, where the UN estimates 80% of girls marry before age 18, local groups are trying new approaches. The Abuja Bay Centre for Girls Education offers mentoring, tutoring, and financial assistance to help keep girls in school instead of getting married early.
Working closely with local and religious leaders has helped change attitudes without making participating girls feel separated from their communities. Researchers found that two years after completing a nine-month program, the likelihood of child marriage among participating girls dropped by 80%. Advocates now hope governments will fund and expand these education-focused solutions to protect girls globally.