As we close another UN General Assembly, we are reminded of the pressing global issues that demand our attention. Among them is child marriage—an issue that, despite being recognized as a human rights violation, continues to impact the lives of millions of girls worldwide. As a survivor of child marriage, I stand not just for my own story, but for the countless girls whose voices remain unheard and whose futures are at risk of being stolen.

When I was just 16, I was coerced into a child marriage that changed the course of my life. My sister, Banaz, endured the same fate, but her story ended in a tragedy that still haunts me. She was the victim of a so-called “honor” killing when she left her child marriage. Our experiences are not isolated—they are part of a broader, systemic problem that persists across cultures, regions, and communities.

Reflecting on UNGA week, it’s important to recognize that the global conversation around child marriage has led to significant milestones. The UNGA Resolution on Child, Early, and Forced Marriage has played a crucial role in keeping pressure on governments to prioritize this issue. We’ve seen successes in raising awareness, changing laws, and shifting perceptions. But as much as we celebrate these victories, we must also confront the alarming regressions that threaten to unravel our hard-won progress.

Just recently, in Iraq, the country of my birth, a bill was proposed to lower the legal age of marriage for girls to as young as nine. This bill, if passed, would be a catastrophic step backward, not just for Iraq, but for all of us fighting to end child marriage. Similarly, we’ve seen attempts to reverse the ban on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Gambia earlier this year. These are bold and dangerous moves, serving as a reminder that our work is far from over.

Such setbacks are not just legal amendments—they are direct attacks on the rights and futures of girls. These bills and legislative efforts undermine the progress we’ve made and expose the fragility of our victories. It’s critical that we confront these challenges head-on, strengthening our resolve to protect every child, everywhere.

On the brighter side, we’ve seen monumental shifts in the fight against child marriage. Last year, I led a successful campaign in England and Wales to outlaw all forms of child marriage, including religious, cultural, and customary ceremonies. This victory is a testament to the power of collective action and relentless advocacy. It shows that when we unite behind a cause, we can make a tangible difference. However, this success also brings with it a deep responsibility—to ensure these protections are extended globally and to guard against any efforts to reverse the progress we’ve made.

One of the key lessons I’ve learned from this journey is that legal change, while necessary, is not enough. Laws are powerful deterrents, but they are only one part of the solution. We need to focus on changing societal norms, educating communities, and empowering girls to know their rights. In many places, child marriage is deeply rooted in tradition and culture, and until we address these underlying causes, the practice will continue, even in countries where it is illegal.

As we look ahead, the urgency to act is greater than ever. We must ask ourselves: how can we build on the momentum created by UNGA week? How can we ensure that progress is accelerated as we approach 2030, the target year for the Sustainable Development Goals? The answer lies in sustained, collective action. We need to push for child marriage to remain on the global agenda, ensure that it is prioritized in national policies, and rally for the funding of programs that address this issue.

The Girls Not Brides movement has developed an 'Accelerator Roadmap to 2030'—a strategic plan that lays out the path forward. However, roadmaps and plans are only as effective as the actions that follow them. We need dedicated resources, investment, and an unwavering focus to turn these plans into reality. As we approach 2030, it’s essential that ending child marriage remains a standalone priority beyond the Sustainable Development Goals. This fight is too important to be overshadowed by broader discussions of development.

Child marriage is a violation of human rights. We must treat it as such, with clear commitments, measurable outcomes, and a relentless drive to protect every girl from a future of oppression and lost potential.

My hope for the future is simple: a world where no girl is forced into marriage, where every girl can pursue her dreams, receive an education, and live a life free from violence and coercion. This is not an impossible dream—it’s a necessary one. But to achieve it, we must be bold. We must challenge harmful norms, hold ourselves and our leaders accountable, and ensure that child marriage remains at the forefront of the global agenda.

To everyone reading this—activists, policymakers, donors, and advocates—I urge you to recommit to this cause.