We, the members of African Female Voices, stand united in our call to end child marriage—a pervasive violation of human rights that affects millions of children across our continent. Currently, a girl is married every 30 seconds in fragile states, impacting approximately 32 million adolescent girls. The latest Global Girlhood Report 2024 from Save the Children highlights a direct link between fragility and child marriage, revealing that eight out of ten hotspots are located in Africa. In particular, countries such as the Central African Republic, Chad, and South Sudan face alarming rates, where girls are twice as likely to marry before the age of 17 compared to those in more stable regions.

Child marriage not only denies girls their fundamental rights to education, health, and freedom but also perpetuates cycles of poverty and gender inequality. Factors such as poverty, lack of access to education, and deeply entrenched cultural norms often lead families to view child marriage as a financial necessity or a means of protection for their daughters. The devastating consequences include early pregnancies, increased risks of domestic violence, and limited opportunities for girls to break free from these circumstances.

We demand the following actions to combat child marriage in Africa:

Establish and Enforce a Minimum Age for Marriage: We urge all African nations to legislate a minimum age for marriage at 18 years without exceptions, thereby protecting all children from early and forced marriages.
Criminalize Child Marriage: We call for the implementation of laws that criminalize child marriage and impose strict penalties on those facilitating or engaging in this practice.
Invest in Education: We request increased funding and resources for educational programs that ensure girls remain in school and can make informed choices about their futures.
Raise Awareness: We advocate for national campaigns that educate communities on the harmful effects of child marriage and promote gender equality as a fundamental principle.
Support Vulnerable Families: We urge governments to provide targeted support and resources for families at risk of child marriage, including access to economic assistance and healthcare services.
Engage Communities: We emphasize the importance of working with local leaders and organizations to challenge and change cultural norms that sustain child marriage and advocate for the rights of girls.
Monitor and Evaluate: We call for the establishment of systems to monitor the enforcement of child marriage laws and to evaluate the effectiveness of these measures in real-time, ensuring accountability and transparency.
Together, we can create a society in Africa where every child is empowered to thrive and reach their full potential. The fight against child marriage requires immediate, coordinated action, and we urge you to commit to this vital cause.