Malawi observes day of girl child

Malawi this Thursday commemorates The International Day of the Girl Child under the theme of ‘My Life, My Right, End Child Marriages’.

In a statement, the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Welfare said it is important to commemorate the day of the girl child as it will raise awareness on various issues affecting the girl child in Malawi.

The statement reads: “The commemoration is to draw attention to the issues affecting the girl child and young women and call upon individuals, families, communities and the nation to take action and address the challenges faced by the girl child.”

In Malawi, statistics show that 25 percent of girls aged between 15 and 19 years are married; half of all women aged 15-39 years marry before the age of 18 compared to two percent of boys who marry before the age of 19.

According to the ministry, ending child marriage will protect the girl’s rights; reduce their vulnerability to violence, early pregnancy, HIV infection, maternal death, disability and obstetric fistula.