Child marriage robs 10 million girls a year of their childhood.
Every year, an estimated 10 million girls worldwide are married before they turn 18, usually with no say in when or whom they marry. Child marriage almost always cuts girls’ education short, trapping them and their children in poverty. It often leads to early pregnancy and childbirth, putting girls’ lives and health at risk.
Girls Not Brides is a new global partnership to end the harmful traditional practice of child marriage, so that girls can fulfil their potential. Created by The Elders, Girls Not Brides brings together organisations that work to tackle child marriage at the grassroots, national and global levels around the world.
Read our Mission Statement
Girls Not Brides is seeking an experienced, energetic and committed Global Coordinator to lead a small team in supporting and coordinating the Partnership’s global drive towards a world without child marriage. Read More
In a visit organised by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, a delegation of eight women members from the Parliaments of Afghanistan and Pakistan will visit the UK. The visiting parliamentarians will take part in a session on child marriage with Girls Not Brides. Read More
Equality Now has issued an urgent alert following reports that the Egypt People’s Assembly Council is currently discussing legislation that would reduce the minimum age for girls from 18 years old. Read More
In an interview with CBC Radio Canada, Mary Robinson explains The Elders‘ commitment to the issue of child marriage and their work to bring Girls Not Brides together. Read More
Plan International expresses deep concern at new marriage laws proposed by the Egyptian parliament. Read More
Jeffrey Edmeades, a social demographer at the International Center for Research on Women, was recently reminded that in the end his work is about the people, the millions of girls affected by child marriage. Read More
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"It hurts a lot. I wanted to study and make a life for myself." - Farzana, Pakistan.
Every day, more than 25,000 girls become child brides. Their lives will never be the same.