In today’s programme you will hear about the adverse effects of early marriage of women of Shangil Tobaya town, North Darfur. Child marriage is still quite common in Darfur, many of the cases are involved forced marriage. Across Darfur there are tens of girls and young women are being forced into early marriage. More than half of all girls are married off before they turn 18 years old. They are expected to have as many children as their husbands want, regardless of their own wishes or the threat that early pregnancy poses to their health and life.

Today’s programme features the importance child education in Darfur. There are children in various communities in need whose parents or guardians lack the economic resources to sustain food and education. Many of these children are of school age and need the resources to obtain educational materials, uniforms, food and specialized guidance. Education is the road for children to reach their full potential in life and many children around Darfur do not get a quality education.

The programme features a discrimination against girls in Darfuri community and how it has negatively affected the girls’ self-esteem.  UNAMID’s Gender Unit has been working closely with local population to change their perception of gender inequality. 

In today’s programme you will hear about the visit of 200 high school students in Elgeneina, West Darfur, to UNAMID headquarters there. The visit was initiated by the Education Department to make students’ familiar bout the Mission’s mandate and the UN system.