Mozambique: Losing out

Child marriage not only violates the human rights of girls, but also gravely threatens their lives, education opportunities, health and future prospects. When girls are married, they are expected to begin childbearing while still children themselves, increasing their risks for pregnancy-related complications—a major cause of death and disability for adolescent girls in the developing world. We travel to Mozambique, a country with one of the highest rates of child marriage and maternal death in the world, along with wide prevalence of a devastating childbirth injury called obstetric fistula. But efforts are underway to change mindsets and to ensure all young girls enjoy their human rights. This film is included in the UN in Action series.