A Powerful Shift Is Changing Girls’ Futures

Cambodia has significantly reduced child marriage rates in two provinces, with early marriages among girls aged 18–22 falling sharply following a targeted empowerment programme.

“My shop has completely changed my life, and I am so proud to run it. I want all girls to continue studying and build their own futures as I did,” said Kanada, a young entrepreneur from Ratanakiri province.

The share of girls married before 18 dropped from 26.3% to 9.5%, while marriages before 15 fell to just 0.6%. At the same time, Grade 9 completion among girls rose from 36.5% to 64.9%, and access to sexuality education reached 96.7%. Employment after skills training increased to over 94%, highlighting how education and economic opportunity can delay marriage and expand life choices for young women.