USAID Targets Child Marriage, Aims to Help Child Brides

October 11 was the first International Day of the Girl Child, which celebrates the advocacy for girls' rights and young women everywhere. On this day, we acknowledge the many advancements made to help fight against destructive gender inequalities.

The United States Agency for International Agency (USAID) issued a report -- Ending Child Marriage and Serving the Needs of Married Youth: The USAID Vision -- that highlights efforts to combat child marriage in areas where this practice is widespread. Throughout her time in Congress, Congresswoman McCollum has been working to make a dent in the astronomical number of child brides. Every year, an estimated 10 million girls -- a majority who reside in poor and rural communities -- will be married before they turn 18 years old.

Thanks to the efforts of Congresswoman McCollum and other Congressional leaders, global leaders are far more aware of the destructive effects of child marriage.