Every 2 seconds a girl under the age of 18 is married. 

Early marriage forces girls out of education and into a life with fewer opportunities and increased risks of violent abuse. 

This harmful practice denies girls their right to make vital decisions about their sexual health and wellbeing. Many become pregnant before their young body is ready, which increases the risk of complications during pregnancy and childbirth.

Every child has the right to childhood, to learn, play, grow, develop and feel safe and protected. Yet, governments are not doing enough to end child marriages.

Sign the petition to demand that leaders do more to put an end to this practice.

By saying no to child marriage, your voice is added to the powerful movement demanding governments address the problem at its roots.
 
With your signature you are directly helping to:

• Lobby governments to introduce 18 as the legal age for marriage.

• Invest in programs to keep girls in school.

• Allow participatory processes where girls can make their voices heard before their leaders and communities.  

When Rania was 12 years old, her parents took her out of school because they could no longer afford to send her. At just 14 they were ready to get her married to a businessman, who was almost the same age as her father. “For three months I was crying and miserable – I didn’t want to go,” says Rania. 

Save the Children provided Rania with psychological help and ran awareness sessions with her parents on child marriage. Rania re-enrolled in school and avoided child marriage.
 
Now she dreams of being a lawyer. “My hope is to fulfil my dream which is to study law.”

*Name has been changed to protect identity