This month marks the Pacific-wide launch of the United Nations Populations Fund (UNFPA)’s State of the World’s Population report: ‘Against my will – defying the practices that harm women and girls and undermine equality’. The report analyses the context of three practices that continue around the world: gender-biased sex selection, female genital mutilation, and child marriage (also known as early marriage). Every year, millions of girls are subjected to these practices which harm them physically and emotionally, with the full knowledge and consent of their families, friends and communities. In recognition of the impact of harmful practices, national and regional commitments at the Nairobi Summit on ICPD25 affirmed zero gender-based violence and harmful practices against women and girls by 2030.
