Every three seconds, a girl becomes a child bride.
Conflict, climate change, and displacement are forcing millions of girls out of school and into early marriage, threatening to reverse decades of hard-won progress.
When a girl is married too young, she faces a greater risk of abuse, exploitation and losing her education. Instead of learning, she is forced into the role of wife and mother. Trapped in a cycle of poverty and lost opportunity.
If we don’t act now, more than 150 million girls could become child brides by 2030.
But there is hope. When girls can stay in school, they are empowered to defend their rights, to build a future, and to help lift their families from poverty. Together, we can put an end to child marriage. Please donate today.
Double your impact
This winter, our Trustees along with one generous major donor will match your donation**. Give today to make sure your gift goes twice as far.
Amara's* story
When she was 15, Amara’s* father agreed to marry her to man three times her age for a dowry.
“I started crying. I told my mother that I wasn't interested in marriage...I begged my father, but he bluntly refused.”
For families living through conflict, marriage is a desperate attempt to make ends meet.
“I decided to commit suicide... I was standing behind our hut when one of our neighbours saw me. It was this neighbour who took me to the Plan [International] project volunteer and the members of the village protection committee.”
Amara’s* wedding was called off. Now, she wants others to learn from her story: “There are many girls who are suffering today, and I tell parents to protect their daughters, not by giving them away in marriage.”
Banner image: Melisa, 13, at her school in Uganda
**Donations will be matched up to the value of £54,800.