Stop the Systemic Slavery of Girls in Afghanistan

A girl in Afghanistan used to dream of a future where it was possible for her to work in medicine, politics, art or business. But that doesn't happen anymore. It hasn't happened in nearly forty years.

Today she dreams of a day when she will be valued as a human being instead of a form of currency, to be bought and sold.

The oppressive patriarchal values that infiltrate political and legal systems everywhere are particularly dominant in Afghanistan. Even though there are laws in Afghanistan that should prevent this, girls as young as ten are being forced into child marriage. It is a common solution for many impoverished families—to sell their daughters for a dowry that feeds, clothes and houses the rest of the family.

This form of slavery thrives in Afghanistan. We will not accept this.

There is a growing realization among religious and community leaders in Afghanistan that putting an end to child marriage is urgent and necessary. But they need more support and encouragement from international leaders and institutions.

War Child Canada will continue to provide education for girls in Afghanistan, offer free legal representation when they've been abused, and bring employment opportunities to their mothers…but we know this isn't enough. We need you to raise your hand today and support our petition to the UN Secretary General António Guterres.

We demand that the UN Secretary General António Guterres declare Child Marriage a form of slavery and take immediate steps to help the religious and community leaders of Afghanistan change the course for girls in Afghanistan.

No girl should have their childhood and educational opportunities ripped away from them at ten years old.