A UNICEF report indicates that Bangladesh has the highest rate of child marriage in Asia, with over 50% of girls married before 18. Highlighting significant gender inequality and limited opportunities for girls, it calls for urgent investments in health, education, and life skills to empower adolescent girls and foster economic growth.

Bangladesh faces significant challenges regarding child marriage, gender inequality, and limited opportunities for girls, as highlighted in the UNICEF report titled ‘Girl Goals: What has changed for girls? Adolescent Girls’ Rights Over 30 Years.’ Released to coincide with International Women’s Day, the report reveals that over 50 percent of girls in Bangladesh marry before reaching the age of 18, making it the highest rate in Asia and a leading nation globally for this harmful practice.

The report underscores that investing in adolescent girls is vital for not only their empowerment but also the economic development and stability of both communities and nations. Although there have been advancements since the 1995 Beijing Declaration in areas such as education and healthcare access, challenges like inequality and violence against girls persist in Bangladesh, coupled with restricted educational and economic opportunities.

Rana Flowers, the UNICEF representative in Bangladesh, called for urgent changes to help girls achieve their potential. He remarked, “Adolescent girls in Bangladesh want to contribute to a flourishing Bangladesh… Yet, barriers and discrimination continue to hold them and their country back.” He stressed the importance of providing life skills and digital literacy, while prioritizing the critical issues of child marriage and violence that often lead to dangerous early childbirth.

Flowers advocated for the Bangladeshi government to enhance investments in adolescent health services, fortify the social work sector, and improve various aspects such as education, nutrition, and digital literacy for girls to unlock their potential. The report positions Bangladesh eighth globally for child marriage rates and reveals that 51.4 percent of women aged 20-24 were married before 18, perpetuating poverty and hindering economic growth.

The UNICEF report on child marriage in Bangladesh reveals alarming statistics that position the country as a leader in Asia for this practice, affecting over 50 percent of girls. It emphasizes the urgent need for systemic changes to promote equality and provide opportunities for adolescent girls, linking their empowerment to broader economic stability. With advocacy from leaders like Rana Flowers, the call for governmental investment in health and education is crucial for unlocking the potential of future generations.

Original Source: www.sentinelassam.com

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