Child marriage not only violates the human rights of girls, but also gravely threatens their lives, education opportunities, health and future prospects. When girls are married, they are expected to begin childbearing while still children themselves, increasing their risks for pregnancy-related complications—a major cause of death and disability for adolescent girls in the developing world.
Child marriage not only violates the human rights of girls, but also gravely threatens their lives, education opportunities, health and future prospects. When girls are married, they are expected to begin childbearing while still children themselves, increasing their risks for pregnancy-related complications—a major cause of death and disability for adolescent girls in the developing world. We travel to Mozambique, a country with one of the highest rates of child marriage and maternal death in the world, along with wide prevalence of a devastating childbirth injury called obstetric fistula. But efforts are underway to change mindsets and to ensure all young girls enjoy their human rights. This film is included in the UN in Action series.
With the slogan “Don't close your eyes. We can end fistula,” a new public service announcement stresses the importance of ensuring access to emergency obstetric care and skilled health professionals—especially midwives—to all women to prevent and help ensure treatment for obstetric fistula.
With the slogan “Don't close your eyes. We can end fistula,” a new public service announcement stresses the importance of ensuring access to emergency obstetric care and skilled health professionals—especially midwives—to all women to prevent and help ensure treatment for obstetric fistula.
The PSA, to be launched in African countries in 2012, was developed by the Brazilian illustrator Rodrigo Mafra, based on the soundtrack created by Grupo UAKTI. “As artists, we need to alert society about fistula, hoping that the necessary investments are made so that this issue becomes history,” said Marco Antônio Guimarães, UAKTI’s leader. Fistula is a childbirth injury caused by the lack of skilled attendance during prolonged, obstructed labour. If every woman had access to adequate and timely care, we could end fistula.
Engel Entertainment is producing a documentary about five Ethiopian women whose lives have been devastated by obstetric fistula and the difficult journey they undertake to reach the Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital. Watch the 10-minute trailer.
Engel Entertainment is producing a documentary about five Ethiopian women whose lives have been devastated by obstetric fistula and the difficult journey they undertake to reach the Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital. Watch the 10-minute trailer.
