The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection and other partners are calling for an end to child marriage in the next 12 years.
The partners, including UNICEF, CHRAJ, Police, NCCE and Child not Brides hope the 12-year target line is achievable with a clear direction, especially towards prevention and proactive response efforts.
This came up at a stakeholders meeting as a prelude to marking Today October 11, 2018 as the International Day of the Girl Child.
The day seeks to highlight and address the needs and challenges girls face, while promoting girls empowerment and the fulfillment of their human rights.
Participants at the meeting indicated that empowerment of the Girl Child is important therefore anything that retards their growth must be eliminated.
Meanwhile, the UN has charged young girls to challenge the status quo and take charge of their own future as the world marks International Day of the Girl Child today.
It says across the world, girls face adversities that hinder their education, training and entry into the workforce.
It cites the fact that this year alone, 12 million girls under 18 will be married, and 21 million aged 15 to 19 years will become pregnant in developing regions.
Despite these, the UN says it is inspired that about 1.1 billion girls of today’s world are redefining girlhood, innovating technology to solve global challenges, standing up for the environment, raising their voices against violence and are preparing to run for office.
The UN in a statement also charge governments around the world to create a condusive environment where girls can stand up for their rights and succeed.
