Child marriage remains a significant challenge in Nepal, impacting the lives of tens of thousands of young girls. While its prevalence has dropped from a staggering 60 per cent in 2006 to about 35 per cent in 2022, one in three girls is still married off before turning 18.

Economic hardship, lack of access to education, cultural norms and gender inequality continue to drive the practice, with devastating consequences for young girls. Boys are also affected, with one in 10 forced into early marriage.

UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has been working alongside the Government and partners in Nepal to combat the scourge. UN News’ Vibhu Mishra spoke to UNICEF Representative in Nepal, Alice Akunga.

Audio Credit Vibhu Mishra, UN News
Audio 10'46"
Photo Credit © UNICEF/Robic Upadhayay

‘We have to break the cycle’: Combating child marriage in Nepal

In this episode, an IPC analysis reveals the highest number ever recorded of acutely food insecure populations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo due to conflict, economic instability and surging food prices; sustainable water management is essential to feed Europe and Central Asia and build resilience against climate change, shows a UN report co-authored by FAO; and the Food Price Index remains stable in March. 

Producer: Heriberto Araujo, Ruki Inoshita, Flora Trouilloud
Presenter: Ruki Inoshita
Sound: Eric Deleu
Editorial supervision: Ho Tszmei
©FAO/Alessandra Benedetti

FAO Brief - 14 April 2025

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