Child Marriage Free World Launches 100 Days of Action

On the United Nations World Day for the Prevention of and Healing from Child Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Violence, Child Marriage Free World is launching the 100 Days of Action to End Child Marriage. This global mobilisation calls on leaders, partners and communities to take action that strengthens protection for children and builds a future free from early and forced marriage.

Last year, CMFW held its first Global Pledging Week to End Child Marriage. Schools, faith groups and communities in more than 30 countries took part, and thousands of people pledged to end child marriage in their communities. National commitments in India and Nepal further demonstrated how governments can work with civil society and regional partners to advance change at scale.

This year, as the movement grows, CMFW is expanding these efforts. The Global Pledging Week now forms part of 100 Days of Action, a broader and more sustained global effort to deepen awareness, promote stronger laws against child marriage and support public pledging across more than 100 countries. Over the next 100 days, CMFW will work with teachers, survivors, parliamentarians, youth groups, government ministries and faith leaders to create spaces for learning, dialogue and collective action.

The need for coordinated action is urgent. One million girls are married every month, most of them to older adult men. Ending child marriage is both a moral imperative and a matter of human rights and dignity. Justice must be more than a principle; it must be delivered through laws, policies and actions that safeguard children and uphold their rights.

Across the 100 days, partners will organise school discussions, community gatherings, youth-led activities, faith-based conversations and public pledging moments. These efforts aim to strengthen local leadership, build understanding of children’s rights and support communities in taking practical steps to prevent early and forced marriage.

The 100 Days of Action is an opportunity for people everywhere to join a global effort to ensure that all girls can grow, learn and live free from early and forced marriage. Together, we can help create environments where every child’s rights are respected and upheld.