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Niger also has one of the world’s highest rates of child marriage. About 24% of girls will be married by the time they are 15. That rises to nearly 80% by the age of 18. It is a social phenomenon that affects all significant ethnic groups in Niger and is rooted in poverty and the overall position of women in society. Plan International Niger is working to reduce early marriage by partnering with traditional leaders and community members. We have set up committees which report instances of child abuse and early marriage and organise training sessions on the dangers of early marriage and promote sexual and reproductive health. Cases of abuse and early marriage are subsequently falling in the communities where we work. |
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Mbalu, 14, is a Plan International sponsored child from Sierra Leone. She enjoys school and her favourite subject is agricultural science. Plan International is supporting her education through the Girls Education Challenge (GEC) programme which provides uniforms and educational materials to help girls stay in school. The drop-out rate for girls in Sierra Leone is high and one of the reasons is child marriage. One of Mbalu’s friends who is 15 recently dropped out of school to get married as her family are to poor to pay for her schooling. Mbalu is a member of her school’s advocacy programme where she talks on the radio about teenage pregnancy, early marriage and its causes. |
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In Benin, equality between girls and boys is hindered by gender stereotypes, which don’t allow girls to achieve what they are capable of. In order to challenge these social conventions, Plan International has set up female football teams in the communities and regions where we are active. Daouda, 17, is one of the young women who is taking part in the Girl Power Programme: “I’m lucky to have been selected for the football team as part of the project. We train several times a week and participate in workshops to strengthen our trust, learn to speak in public and understand the rights of girls.” |
プラン・インターナショナルは、子どもの権利を推進し、貧困や差別のない社会を実現するために世界70カ国以上で活動する国際NGOです。とりわけ女の子や女性への支援に力を入れて、世界を持続的に、前向きに変えていきます。
ikuro.sato@plan-international.jp
