Every year, 12 million girls globally are forced into marriage before 18βrobbing them of education, health, and safety. In war zones and refugee camps, the crisis is worse, with families sometimes seeing child marriage as their only option. The U.S. has a critical role to play in ending this harmful practice. Hereβs how Americans can help.
Why Should the U.S. Care?
Child marriage isnβt just a problem “over there.” Even in America, an estimated 300,000 minors were legally married between 2000 and 2018, mostly girls wed to adult men. While U.S. laws are improving, global leadership is needed to protect the most vulnerableβespecially in crises where girls face extreme risks:
- Conflict zones: In places like Sudan and Afghanistan, displacement and poverty push families to marry off daughters young.
- Health dangers: Child brides face higher risks of maternal death, violence, and HIV.
- Lost potential: Without education, girls stay trapped in poverty, fueling cycles of instability.
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How Can the U.S. Make a Difference?
- Fund Global Programs β Support UNICEF and NGOs providing girls with schools, healthcare, and safe spaces in refugee camps.
- Strengthen U.S. Laws β Push to end legal loopholes allowing child marriage in some states.
- Advocate Abroad β Use diplomacy and aid to pressure countries to ban child marriage and enforce laws.
- Mobilize Americans β Donate, volunteer, and demand policymakers prioritize girlsβ rights.
What You Can Do Today
- Call Congress: Support bills like the Child Marriage Prevention Act.
- Support Organizations: Donate to groups like Girls Not Brides or Malala Fund.
- Spread Awareness: Share this issue on social media (#EndChildMarriage).
America has the power to help end child marriageβprotecting girlsβ futures worldwide starts with action.
