Every girl deserves a childhood
Childhood is a time to grow, to learn and to play. It is short, and it cannot be given back. This article explains why every girl deserves a full childhood, and how families and communities can protect it.
What childhood gives
In childhood, a girl builds her health, her knowledge and her confidence. She learns from her family and her teachers. She forms friendships that can support her for life.
How childhood can be lost
Childhood ends too early when a girl is married, kept at home instead of going to school, or burdened with adult duties. Each of these takes away years she can never recover.
Protecting childhood
- Keep girls in school.
- Let girls rest and play.
- Wait until a daughter is an adult before any talk of marriage.
- Listen to girls and respect their feelings.
A shared responsibility
Parents, teachers, religious and community leaders and governments all have a part to play. When they work together, girls can grow up safe.
Every girl deserves a childhood. Protecting it is an investment in the future of the whole community.