In the last thirty years, the number of children living in war zones has almost doubled. In conflict, girls are at a significantly higher risk of sexual and gender-based violence – including forced marriage – while boys are exposed to harms such as killing, maiming, and abduction.
Women and girls are also more likely to go hungry because they will skip meals and eat less nutritious food to ensure others in the household are prioritized.
Girls also face additional risks such as limited access to essential services, including health care and education.
Yet their experiences are much more likely to go unreported and overlooked.
Girls’ voices matter and we need to hear them. Importantly, we must uphold and protect all children’s rights.
