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child marriageslatest news & developments
Children on the continent are trafficked, sexually exploited, forced into marriage, recruited into armed forces and made to beg.

Trafficking in Africa a threat to securing a continent fit for children

Children on the continent are trafficked, sexually exploited, forced into marriage, recruited into armed forces and made to beg

Although two thirds of job losses were experienced by women, two thirds of the recipients of the R350 Covid-19 grant were men (John McCan/M&G)

Nigeria’s poisonous patriarchy

Many in Nigeria believe that familial and even societal honor depends on women’s complicity, purity, and silence

Providing safety nets to African families is a small commitment by international standards, but one that can deliver enormous gains — from lifting children out of the danger zone of malnutrition and enabling them to study to stay safe from early marriage.

‘My family had no business selling me off for R4’

Think child marriages only happen in far off countries? Think again.

(Reuters)

Graça Machel stands up for girls’ education at Hong Kong summit

The former Mozambican education minister delivered a searing message for girls’ rights

‘As Abrahams made clear in his announcement that the charges were to be reinstated

Ukuthwala: The sex trafficking scandal devastating rural South Africa

In its traditional form, ukuthwala is a collusive strategy used by willing lovers to secure marriage negotiations. But the practice has mutated.

Child marriage is common in northern Nigeria

Nigeria’s children tied up in a marriage knot

Poverty, traditions and no education means laws will do little to end the practice of child brides.

Pokot girls are waiting for an initiation ceremony marking their passing over into womanhood

Child brides bear the damage but it also harms families, communities and nations

Changing social norms will help end the practice that traps and endangers women and their daughters and preserves intergenerational poverty.

If mitigating steps are not taken immediately, in a concerted effort by all stakeholders, the pandemic will be a catastrophe for girls.

Child marriage still rife in Mozambique

More than half a million Mozambican women between the ages of 20 and 24 years old got married before the age of 18.

Educated girls have children later in life and are less likely to die during childbirth.

Education is the foundation for young girls’ future

Along with better access to health services and reducing child marriage, education can save many lives.

The Global Slavery Index report estimates that there are at least 29.8-million people living in slavery.

A powerful weapon in the fight against modern slavery

The Global Slavery Index will help shape national and global efforts to root out modern slavery in Africa and across the world, writes Nick Grono.

Human Rights Watch reveals how child marriage in South Sudan exacerbates high maternal mortality rates and perpetuates violence against girls.

Child marriage in South Sudan

Human Rights Watch reveals how child marriage in South Sudan exacerbates high maternal mortality rates and perpetuates violence against girls.

Morocco’s Parliament pledges to change rape law

A Morocco law that allows a rapist to escape prison by marrying his victim is being amended by the kingdom’s Parliament.

Isn’t it time Africans stood up against child marriage?

Lawmakers, activists and world leaders are meeting in New York this week to discuss ways to accelerate the Millennium Development Goals.