Zonta Ghana calls for end to child marriage as 19% marry before 18

Zonta Ghana has used the occasion of the International Day of the Girl to demand intensified efforts to eliminate child marriage across the country. Commemorating the global event on October 11, the organization highlighted that approximately 19% of girls in Ghana are married before the age of 18. While this figure represents progress compared to the West African regional average of 37%, Zonta International emphasized that child marriage remains a critical barrier to achieving gender equality and empowering women by the 2030 Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) deadline.

Despite the downward trend in the prevalence of early marriage, the scale of the issue remains significant. Data from 2021 revealed that there were approximately 2.2 million child brides in Ghana, a statistic that underscores the urgency of the organization’s advocacy. Zonta Ghana argues that child marriage not only restricts a girl’s potential but also hampers national development by limiting educational and economic opportunities for a substantial portion of the population. The group stressed that meeting the targets of SDG 5 requires a more aggressive approach to protecting the rights of the girl child.

To address these challenges, Zonta Clubs in Ghana are advocating for a two-pronged approach focusing on legal reform and education. The organization called for the government to ensure stronger enforcement of existing laws against underage marriage while simultaneously expanding educational programs that keep girls in school. By providing increased educational opportunities, Zonta believes girls can be better prepared to make informed decisions about their futures and contribute meaningfully to the country’s socio-economic growth.

As celebrations for the International Day of the Girl conclude, the organization has called for a united front involving the government, civil society, and local communities. Zonta Ghana reiterated its commitment to shaping today’s girl for tomorrow’s future, noting that ending child marriage is a collective responsibility. The organization maintains that only through sustained advocacy and policy intervention can Ghana ensure that every girl is protected from the harmful impacts of early marriage and provided the platform to thrive.