Zonta International and Ghanaian Clubs Advocate for Ending Child Marriage on International Day of the Girl
Zonta International and its Ghanaian clubs are advocating for the elimination of child marriage on the International Day of the Girl.
In Brief
- •Zonta International and its Ghanaian clubs are advocating for the elimination of child marriage on the International Day of the Girl.
- •Ghana has seen a reduction in child brides, with 2.2 million child brides in 2021, down from 662,200 married before the age of 15.
- •The current prevalence of girls marrying before the age of 18 is 19 percent, one of the lowest in West and Central Africa.
- •Early marriages truncate girls' education and economic empowerment, and are a human rights issue.
- •Zonta Clubs in Ghana are calling for stronger child rights laws and incentives to support girls' education.
Why It Matters
The advocacy for ending child marriage is crucial for achieving gender equality and empowering women and girls, as outlined in SDG 5. Early marriages not only truncate girls' education and economic opportunities but also perpetuate human rights violations. By supporting girls' education and advocating for stronger child rights laws, societies can contribute to the global goal of eliminating harmful practices by 2030.
Key Details
- Child Brides in Ghana (2021)
- 2.2 million
- Child Brides Married Before Age 15 (2021)
- 662,200
- Current Prevalence of Girls Marrying Before Age 18
- 19 percent
- Regional Average for Girls Marrying Before Age 18
- 37 percent
Context & Background
The International Day of the Girl is celebrated annually on October 11 to recognize girls' rights and the need for gender equality. The 2030 Agenda for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) includes nine goals focused on women, with SDG 5 dedicated to gender equality and women's empowerment.
Original Reporting & Sources
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