Measuring up as men: Mobilising men against child marriage in Kenya
“It is by standing up for the rights of girls and women that we truly measure up as men” - Archbishop Desmond Tutu, co-founder of Girls Not Brides.
Every year, 15 million girls are married off before the age of 18. Child marriage is one of the most pervasive forms of violence against women and girls.
Men and boys must be a crucial part of efforts to end this harmful practice.
On International Day of the Girl, we share the story of Wanjala, a women’s rights activist from Kenya and member of Girls Not Brides, who works to convince men that ending child marriage is not just a necessity: it’s their responsibility.
In the time it has taken to read this article 7 girls under the age of 18 have been married
Each year, 12 million girls are married before the age of 18
That is 23 girls every minute
Nearly 1 every 2 seconds