UNICEF Implements Multi-sectoral Approach in Ending Global Issue of Child Marriage

In a recent UNICEF report, it was stated that Africa is home to 130 million child brides, both girls under the age of 18 who have already married and adult women who were married as children. Nine out of ten countries with the highest levels of child marriage in the world are in sub–Saharan Africa, including Niger, Chad, Mozambique, Burkina Faso, South Sudan, Guinea, and Nigeria. VOA’s Amina Aliyu alongside her co-hosts Ndimyake Mwakalyelye, Simegnish Yekoye, and Auriane Itangishaka spoke to Hadiza Ibrahim Abba, UNICEF Child Protection Specialist, about how ending child marriage is one of their key priorities. Hadiza explains UNICEF’s multisectoral approach in responding to this global issue. She also analyzes data trends in the prevalence of child marriage in Africa and how UNICEF is calling on governments and religious leaders to accelerate efforts in combatting the practice of child marriage.