Mali’s rural communities mobilize against child marriage in defense of girls’ futures

In Mali, where most young women are married before age 18, local communities are taking action to protect girls and support their education. Child marriage rates are particularly high in rural areas due to factors like family traditions, economic challenges, limited education access, and ongoing insecurity from armed conflicts. Community protection committees, such as the one in Diondori village, are working to prevent child marriages through awareness campaigns, mediation with families, and providing educational support.