Girls and teenagers around the world experience different forms of violence throughout their lives
MORE THAN 200 MILLION GIRLS IN THE WORLD HAVE UNDERGONE GENITAL MUTILATION
Apart from causing serious psychological harm, female genital mutilation leads to complications during pregnancy and childbirth, sexual dysfunction and chronic infections. In addition, many girls lose access to education due to the pain and health complications involved. In some areas, the costs associated with the mutilation ceremony may result in school dropout, as families are unable to afford both the procedure and schooling.
This form of violence is widespread, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, but also in some Middle Eastern countries, such as Iraq and Yemen, as well as in Indonesia.
One of the main reasons for female genital mutilation is the belief that it is necessary to secure a good marriage. In some communities, girls who do not undergo mutilation are considered promiscuous or unclean and may be excluded from marriage.
Beyond the serious risks it poses to girls’ health, female genital mutilation is also a grave violation of girls’ fundamental human rights.
EVERY YEAR 12 MILLION GIRLS ARE forced into MARRiage BEFORE THE AGE OF 18
Globally, 1 in 5 women aged 20-24 (19%) were forced into child marriage. Poverty, armed conflict, and humanitarian crises often drive this practice. Many families see marrying off their daughters as a way out to protect them from harassment or physical and sexual violence, which are common in conflict settings.
Forced child marriage deprives girls of their fundamental rights to health, education, and security. It makes them more vulnerable to multiple forms of violence, increases the likelihood of poor health, and often leads to early pregnancies when they are physically and emotionally unprepared. It also forces many girls to drop out of school. In some countries, complications during pregnancy and childbirth are the leading cause of death among adolescent girls aged 15-19 years.
Forced child marriage is a serious violation of girls’ rights and remains one of the most widespread form of sexual abuse and exploitation affecting children under the age of 18.
150 MILLION HAVE SUFFERED SEXUAL VIOLENCE
Twenty-seven percent of girls worldwide experience sexual violence, and Latin America presents one of the most alarming scenarios: in 2017 alone, more than one million girls and adolescents were victims of this type of violence.
In addition to unwanted pregnancies, these girls often face profound psychological trauma and suffering, as well as unsafe abortions and sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV. They may also experience social exclusion, which can force them to live on the streets or engage in sex work. In cultures where virginity is highly valued, sexual violence can stigmatize girls, as it is often perceived as a stain on family honor, leading, in extreme cases, to the murder of the victim.
99% OF THE 4.5 MILLION TRAFFICKED AND SEXUALLY EXPLOITED VICTIMS ARE WOMEN AND GIRLS
Around the world, girls are subjected to different forms of abuse and exploitation, including overburdening them with domestic chores. Most girls are forced to perform household chores such as cooking, fetching firewood, fetching water or looking after younger siblings. Within this context, many of them cannot continue attending school, which prevents their comprehensive development and violates their rights
The average age of girls who are sexually exploited is between 11 and 14 years old, and many are trapped in cycles of violence that include rape, torture, forced abortions, starvation and murder threats against their family members. Additionally, 34.2 million girls and women are refugees or displaced, which makes them even more vulnerable to violence and abuse.
