“Child brides have no say in when or whom they marry. They usually drop out of school and miss out on the opportunities they need to thrive.” Ahead of the International Day of the Girl Child, a new video from Girls Not Brides shows how child marriage holds girls back, and how we can work together to end it.

Child marriage is not just a problem for the 14 million girls married off each year; it is a problem for everyone, undermining efforts to eradicate poverty, maternal mortality and hunger.

In 2010, The Elders founded Girls Not Brides, a global partnership bringing together non-governmental organisations working all over the world to end child marriage. This new video from Girls Not Brides looks at how we can work together to end child marriage and improve the lives of millions of girls around the globe.

How you can get involved

This Friday 11 October is the International Day of the Girl Child, when national bodies, NGOs and individuals will unite to spread the message that the welfare of girls affects all of society.

Marrying young often puts a stop to a girl’s education. The theme of this year’s Day of the Girl, “Innovating for Girls’ Education”, highlights the importance of education and the need for fresh approaches to make sure all girls are able to finish school.

Join the movement to end child marriage by becoming part of this growing global momentum. You can help by sharing this video with friends, colleagues and parliamentarians.

Find out more ways you can make a difference by visiting Girls Not Brides.