By Lisa Pertoso on behalf of IWHC | Project Leader
Did you know that every year around the world, an estimated 10 million girls under the age of 18 are married, usually against their will? October 11, 2012 is the first-ever International Day of the Girl declared by the United Nations. Let’s celebrate girls by allowing them to be girls not brides.
In Cameroon, it is estimated that 36% of girls are married before they are 18*. But in the Extreme North of Cameroon, where IWHC’s partner APAD is based, nearly 80% of girls enter early and forced marriages.
This spring when IWHC visited with APAD, some of the young women shared their stories and explained how they are working to change the cultural values that lead to girls being married off as children.
Watch our new short video to hear about their experiences and learn about how APAD is using your donations to ensure that girls have a choice and a chance.
Three things you can do right now to celebrate girls and help end early and forced marriage:
*Check out this interactive world map on child marriage released by the Ford Foundation to learn more.
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