UNICEF marked October 11, 2012, as the inaugural International Day of the Girl Child, established last year by the United Nations General Assembly to draw international attention to girls’ rights. This first commemoration focused on the prevention of a fundamental human rights violation that affects every aspect of a girl’s life: child marriage.
Child marriage has lasting negative impacts on girls. The practice denies a girl of her childhood, disrupts her education, limits her opportunities, increases her risk of violence and abuse, and jeopardizes her health.

Anyone who thinks back to their favorite childhood programs understands the importance of positive childhood entertainment role models that inform and educate communities. As a child, two of my favorite programs were Sesame Street and Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood. Now in my twenties, on early Saturday mornings I often find myself in front of the television watching Mr. Roger or humming the theme song as I put on my favorite sweater. The social and psychological impact of early childhood education programs last a lifetime.
One of UNICEF’s Communication for Development programs is the popular and extremely successful Meena Initiative, which aims to empower the most marginalized, and to prompt debate within homes, schools and community centers.

Imagine a secret wedding, held in the dead of night, with ample ritual and heavily embroidered gowns. Sounds romantic? It’s not. Somewhere in the world, a young girl is being married off in an illegal transaction. She may be 13 and a minor or she may be 5–a child. Either way, she is being deprived of her rights and corralled on a path to poverty, poor health and little prospect.

UNICEF Senior Child Protection Specialist Francesca Moneti told Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA), the Commission’s chair, that child marriage affects millions of girls in all regions of the world, especially in South Asia and in Africa. In Bangladesh and in five western central African countries, six of every 10 girls are married before the age of 18.

Jenner Pascua is a production officer for unicefusa.org

Last week Sigrid Kaag, UNICEF Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa, released a statement about the recent death of a 12-year-old Yemeni girl.

“The death of Elham Mahdi al-Assi from internal bleeding following intercourse, three days after she was married off to a man at least twice her age, is a painful reminder of the risks girls face when they are married too soon.”

This heart-breaking news reminded me of a recent photo essay UNICEF released in January. This week’s photo shows a young bride from Bangladesh.

© UNICEF/NYHQ2009-2317/Md. Ilias Mia

Bangladesh – Thirteen-year-old Tania, who is pregnant, carries a small jar outside her home, in the south-western district of Barguna in Barisal Division. Tania was married at age 10, an arrangement made by her parents when she was just a year old. Despite her pregnancy, she has many household tasks. She advises against marrying at too early an age.

Yemen is not an easy place to be a child. It is one of the poorest countries on earth, with more than half the population living below the poverty line. Now, heavy fighting in the north has forced approximately 150,000 people