At the vocational training centre where he is studying, there is “a lot of abuse” in the form of sexual harassment, often perpetrated by young men, says Elijah Chipise, 20. “There is clear evidence of sexual harassment, which is not reported or documented,” he says.

“In my culture, when a man rapes you, they must take you as their wife,” Irene Asibazuyo, 16, explained. “Otherwise, your family risks being cursed or struck by a bad omen.” Her childhood ended abruptly when she was raped by a man who later vanished, during a visit to her uncle in nearby South Sudan.

Around the world, girls are challenging gender stereotypes and breaking free from the traditional roles that society has dictated for generations. On this International Day of the Girl Child, let’s stand with them, writes UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Natalia Kanem.