"No conflict-affected low-income country has achieved a single Millennium Development Goal."

Graça Machel, a member of the High-level Panel on the Post-2015 Development Agenda, calls for a new development framework that can break the cycle of conflict and poverty. First published in Project Syndicate.

“To be successful in eradicating child marriage by 2030, there is no village, no township, no corner of this great continent that should not hear the message that child marriage can end.”

Following a meeting with Girls Not Brides member organisations from across Africa last year, Graça Machel urges African civil society to unite in their efforts to end child marriage.

"Girls have no status, no protection and no prospects in many families and communities – and this is simply the way things are. Inequality is so entrenched that it isn’t even questioned."

In a blog for DFID (the UK Department for International Development) on the inaugural International Day of the Girl, Graça Machel welcomes the focus on child marriage as an entry point to achieving universal education, health and economic development worldwide. She argues that only by ending child marriage can we empower girls and women – to the benefit of everyone in society.

“If I were to share one piece of advice with those looking to make a positive difference, it would be that you cannot do it alone.”

Graça Machel blogs about being part of The Elders' visit to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to bring together activists from around the world who are working to end child marriage.