Ending child marriage is integral to sustainable development

This antiquated practice is the worst form of gender inequality and it contravenes UN health, education, and economic targets, says Moha Ennaji.

At last month’s UN summit on sustainable development goals (SDG), child marriage did not get top billing. Yet ending this cruel practice — which steals girls’ childhoods and bodily autonomy — is necessary to achieve a range of SDG, including securing gender equality, improving health, and providing education and economic opportunities to all.