A study by UNFPA and partners shows that the pandemic could result in 13 million more child marriages and 2 million more cases of female genital mutilation between now and 2030, beyond the millions already expected to take place. Adolescent pregnancy is on the rise. Girls under lockdown and out of school are highly vulnerable to harm. 

This was said by UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Natalia Kanem during the commemoration of the International Day of the Girl on Sunday where he said with the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda as the guide there’s need to do better to ensure that girls are not left behind, adding that they cannot allow the current crisis to derail the future of an entire generation.

Dr. Kanem said the world needs to redouble its efforts towards a gender-equal world, one where every girl has the power to make informed choices about her body and her life. Equipped with the right knowledge and skills, surrounded by a peaceful home, safe school and a nurturing community and protected by the law and duty-bearers, a girl child will have the tools to thrive.