Building on the body of Equality Now’s work for the protection of girls and women’s rights, this report illustrates the impact of child marriage through 11 case studies and includes an analysis of the laws and issues surrounding child marriage from 18 countries.

Key takeaways and recommendations

The report was written in conjunction with pro bono support from TrustLaw Connect and carried out by law firm Latham & Watkins, in collaboration with AQLAAL Advocates (Pakistan), Ashurst Australia (Papua New Guinea), Bafakih & Nassief Lawyers and Legal Consultants (Saudi Arabia), Dr. Kamal Hossain & Associates (Bangladesh), Kirthi Jayakumar (India), MMAKS Advocates (Uganda), P&A Asia (Cambodia), Tilleke & Gibbins (Thailand) and Webber Wentzel (Swaziland).

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8 October 2025

29 pages

Legal gaps and enduring harm: Analysing the persistence of child marriage in the United States

Child marriage remains legal across most of the US, leaving minors vulnerable. Equality Now and Unchained At Last’s report exposes legal gaps, consequences, and provides clear recommendations to address this harmful practice nationwide.

Access to justice without discrimination in Colombia

An in-depth report exposing how structural discrimination limits access to justice for survivors of sexual violence in Colombia, with a focus on Afro-descendant, Indigenous, and disabled girls and women.

Global backlash against women’s and girls’ rights – Words and Deeds update 2025

Equality Now’s Words & Deeds 2025 update highlights rising global threats to women’s and girls’ rights, including regressive laws, misuse of multilateral systems, increased risks for defenders and disinformation, documenting legal and policy rollbacks that undermine gender equality.

Protecting the girl child: Using the law to end child, early and forced marriage and related human rights violations

Key takeaways and recommendations

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Explore more resources

Legal gaps and enduring harm: Analysing the persistence of child marriage in the United States

Access to justice without discrimination in Colombia

Global backlash against women’s and girls’ rights – Words and Deeds update 2025

Protecting the girl child: Using the law to end child, early and forced marriage and related human rights violations

Key takeaways and recommendations

About

Languages

Classification

Explore more resources

Legal gaps and enduring harm: Analysing the persistence of child marriage in the United States

Access to justice without discrimination in Colombia

Global backlash against women’s and girls’ rights – Words and Deeds update 2025

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