'A girl who marries before 18 or misses education is one too many': Unicef on International Day of the Girl Child

On the occasion of the International Day of the Girl Child 2025, Unicef has highlighted the urgent need to protect and empower adolescent girls in Bangladesh, urging action against child marriage, gender-based violence, and educational exclusion.

"A girl who gets married before turning 18 in Bangladesh is one too many. A girl who does not complete secondary education in Bangladesh is also one too many. An adolescent girl suffering from violence at home is definitely one too many," said Rana Flowers, Unicef representative in Bangladesh.

Speaking during the week of the International Day of the Girl Child, Flowers praised the resilience and leadership of girls across the country. 

"From urban classrooms to remote villages, girls who rise, speak up, and lead change even in the face of unimaginable odds inspire us every single day," she said.

Under the theme 'The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead: Girls on the Frontlines of Crisis', Unicef emphasises that girls are "not victims, but visionaries shaping a better tomorrow. Their voices, ideas, and leadership are not just valuable; they are essential in overcoming the multifaceted crises threatening their future, from harmful social norms, unacceptable levels of violence, poverty, and climate shocks."

Highlighting persistent challenges, Flowers noted that globally, over half of adolescent girls aged 10-17 live in poverty. 

"Despite progress, far too many girls are still denied the chance to grow and to believe that their dreams matter. In Bangladesh, girls' participation in science and technology at secondary and higher secondary levels remains low, only 10-17%, limiting their economic empowerment and ability to participate in a rapidly evolving digital world," she said.

"Sadly, behind every statistic is a child with dreams deferred, a young girl whose potential Bangladesh cannot afford to lose," Flowers added. 

She warned that adolescent girls face risks, including child marriage, early pregnancy, gender-based violence, and limited access to sexual and reproductive health care. 

"Violence - at home, in public, or online - remains an unacceptable and persistent threat. These are not just violations of rights; they are violations of childhood itself."

Flowers also drew attention to mental health concerns, citing a survey showing that 12% of ever-married and 9% of unmarried adolescent girls exhibit moderate depressive symptoms. 

"Too many girls are struggling in silence and need urgent mental health and social protection services tailored to their realities. Parents are insufficiently informed of the isolation and mental health impact that is increasing with online bullying and abuse," she said.

Despite these challenges, Unicef recognises the positive contributions of girls leading change. 

"Girls who are active in organising community relief efforts, leading student initiatives, speaking up against injustice, and supporting their peers in demanding equality. These girls are the frontliners. They do not wait for change; they are the change," Flowers said.

She also highlighted insights from adolescent girls themselves, such as Disha, who reflected on her knowledge of child protection, cyberbullying, and gender-based violence laws. 

"She flagged that many girls like her are still unaware of these laws. She emphasised that the government must take action to make such information easily accessible to all… it would be far more convenient for girls to access information through digital platforms rather than having to visit government offices or health centres," Flowers said.

"Governments, communities, and development actors can do more to create safe, inclusive spaces free from violence, provide mental health counselling services, and ensure that laws protecting girls are not just written but enforced," Flowers added. 

She called for resources to be channelled to girl-led organisations to nurture leadership and participation and urged the removal of barriers that hold girls back.

"Unicef will continue to support and protect adolescent girls in Bangladesh to build a better tomorrow. In the week of International Day of the Girl Child, Unicef stands with you in solidarity, celebrating your achievements and pledging to challenge and remove the barriers that hinder your progress," she said.

"Let us celebrate every girl, her courage, her dreams, and her power to lead change. Let us open the doors to the architects of our shared future and ensure that their voices echo at every table where decisions about their lives are made," Flowers concluded.