The United Nations Agency for Children (UNICEF) estimates that 68 million child marriages have been prevented over the past 25 years, thanks to increased access to education. This progress demonstrates that change is possible when girls are supported and their rights are protected. UNICEF attributes this success to investments in girls' education, legal reform, and social protection. These efforts have contributed significantly to reducing child marriages globally.
According to UNICEF's 2026 estimates, one in five girls worldwide are married before the age of 18, representing approximately 650 million women and girls alive today who were married in childhood. The agency emphasizes that crisis, conflict, and displacement continue to increase the risk of child marriage, sexual violence, and maternal mortality for girls. This highlights the need for sustained efforts to protect girls' rights and prevent child marriages.
UNICEF notes that girls between 15 and 19 years old are twice as likely as boys to not be in education, employment, or training. In fragile, conflict, and violence-affected contexts, girls are nearly 90 percent more likely to be out of secondary school than girls in stable contexts, increasing their risk of child marriage. The agency stresses that education is crucial in preventing child marriages and empowering girls.
The theme of this year's International Day of the Girl Child, celebrated on October 11, is "End child marriage and invest in girls' rights!" UNICEF calls for an end to child marriage and increased investment in girls' rights, emphasizing that change is possible. The agency highlights the importance of keeping girls in school, expanding access to health, protection, and social services, and working with families and communities to challenge harmful norms.
UNICEF also reports that nearly one in four ever married or partnered girls aged 15 to 19 have experienced intimate partner violence in their lifetime. The agency emphasizes that child marriage remains one of the most widespread violations of girls' rights, denying millions of girls the chance to stay in school, protect their health, live free from violence, and fulfil their potential.
The agency notes that each year, more than 12 million girls, roughly one every three seconds, are married before reaching adulthood, with the highest prevalence in sub-Saharan Africa at 31 percent. UNICEF stresses that child marriage can have severe and lasting consequences for girls' physical and mental health, increasing risks of social isolation, anxiety, and emotional distress.
UNICEF urges for increased investment in girls' rights, stating that it is one of the most effective ways to accelerate progress. The agency emphasizes that every girl deserves a childhood, the freedom to learn, grow, make her own choices, and define her own future. By supporting girls' education and rights, we can help build healthier families, stronger communities, and more peaceful, prosperous societies.
Key points
- 68 million child marriages have been averted over 25 years due to education.
- One in five girls worldwide are married before the age of 18.
- Education is crucial in preventing child marriages and empowering girls.
