Progress for girls slow in Bangladesh amid child marriage, digital gaps

A new report, "Girl Goals: What Has Changed for Girls? Adolescent Girls’ Rights Over 30 Years," released on Saturday today by UNICEF, UN Women, and Plan International on International Women’s Day, highlights both progress and persistent challenges for adolescent girls globally, with a spotlight on Bangladesh. 

Marking 30 years since the 1995 Beijing Declaration, the report notes global gains—girls’ life expectancy at 15 has risen to 79.1 years, and fewer are marrying young—but flags Bangladesh as a concern, with 51.4% of women aged 20-24 married before 18, the highest rate in Asia.  

In Bangladesh, girls face stark disparities: they’re twice as likely as boys aged 15-24 to be out of education, employment, or training, and only 2% or fewer have digital skills, ranking among the lowest globally.

Secondary school completion is at 59.22%, while 28% of girls aged 15-19 report partner violence, and 24% of women aged 20-24 gave birth before 18.

“Girls here want to contribute, but child marriage and violence hold them back,” said UNICEF’s Rana Flowers, urging investment in education, health, and digital literacy.  

With five years to meet the 2030 SDGs, no country has achieved half the 16 targets vital for girls.

UN Women’s Gitanjali Singh called for an “all-hands-on-deck” effort, while Plan International’s Kabita Bose praised health gains—like a 2023-24 HPV vaccination drive reaching 93% of eligible girls—but stressed gaps in education quality and safety.  

The report calls for urgent action: amplifying girls’ voices, closing skill gaps, and tackling child marriage. In Bangladesh, the three agencies are working with the government to empower girls, but warn time is running out to deliver on global promises.