On October 11, the world observes International Day of the Girl, a United Nations-designated day focused on girls’ rights. This year, Zonta International, a nonprofit active in 65 countries, chose to centre its message on ending child marriage, one of the persistent barriers to gender equality.
The organisation singled out a target from Sustainable Development Goal 5, which aims to “achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.” Within this goal, SDG 5.3 calls for the elimination of harmful practices such as child, early and forced marriage. Zonta International’s theme for 2026 is a direct call to “end child marriage now,” highlighting the ongoing prevalence of the practice in many countries.
In Ghana, the problem remains despite some progress. According to UNFPA and UNICEF data from 2021, 2.2 million girls had been married as children. Among them, 662,200 were married before turning 15. The current rate of girls marrying before age 18 stands at 19 percent, which is lower than the West and Central Africa regional average of 37 percent. Yet these figures fall short of the target set for 2030.
Early marriage disrupts education, limits future economic opportunities, and violates human rights. Poverty and ignorance often fuel the practice, according to reports. Zonta Clubs in Ghana have taken up the fight, condemning underage marriage and its denial of girls’ rights to education, health, safety, and equal opportunity.
Zonta International has a presence in Ghana through five active clubs: Zonta Club of Accra, Zonta Club of Tema, Zonta Club of Accra II, Zonta Club of Accra Metropolitan, and Zonta Club of Accra Jubilee. These clubs advocate for stronger child protection laws and call on lawmakers to introduce policies that support girls’ education and prevent early marriage.
“The call by Zonta International is clear,” the clubs said in a statement. They urge partnerships with government bodies, organisations, and individuals committed to girls’ development. The clubs pledged their resources and time to advance projects that open opportunities for women and girls.
The United Nations’ 2030 Agenda and its 17 SDGs guide global efforts on poverty eradication, human rights, and environmental protection. Nine of these goals explicitly address women’s issues. SDG 5 is dedicated to gender equality and women’s empowerment, making the elimination of child marriage an urgent target.
Despite the progress Ghana has recorded, Zonta’s message reflects the urgency of accelerating efforts. Existing laws require strengthening, and new policies must target the root causes of early marriage. Social and economic incentives to keep girls in school are among the measures the organisation supports.
The International Day of the Girl this year brings renewed focus to the issue. Zonta International’s advocacy serves as a reminder that child marriage remains one of the largest obstacles to gender equality worldwide. In Ghana, the combined efforts of Zonta Clubs and government agencies offer a platform for change, but the pace of progress will determine whether the 2030 goals are achieved.
The battle against child marriage is ongoing. As Zonta Ghana stated on October 11, the call is to say no to child brides as the country aims to meet SDG 5 by the 2030 deadline.
According to Joy Online.
