Progress in girls’ education is being threatened by two persistent challenges: marriage before adulthood and pregnancy during adolescence. Although gender gaps in education have narrowed in many parts of the world, millions of girls still face circumstances that make completing their schooling difficult.

A report highlighted by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on the International Day of the Girl Child draws attention to the connection between early marriage, adolescent pregnancy and interrupted education. Its message is clear: improving access to school is not enough unless girls can remain in education through major life changes.

Early Marriage Can Interrupt Educational Progress

Child marriage can force girls to leave school before completing their education. Responsibilities within a marriage, family expectations, financial pressures and restrictions on mobility can make regular attendance increasingly difficult.

Leaving school early can also limit future opportunities. Without adequate education, young women may have fewer options for employment, financial independence and participation in public life. These consequences can extend across generations when limited educational opportunities affect a family’s income and children’s future prospects.

UNESCO’s message comes against a backdrop of gradual global progress, including a decline in the proportion of girls married before the age of 18. However, improvements in worldwide figures do not mean that the problem has disappeared. Progress can vary substantially between countries and communities.

Adolescent Pregnancy Creates Additional Barriers

Pregnancy during adolescence can introduce further obstacles to continuing education. Girls may encounter health concerns, financial difficulties, stigma or a lack of childcare, while school policies and local attitudes can make returning to the classroom challenging.

For young mothers, the period after childbirth can be especially difficult. Caring for a child requires time and resources, and education systems may not offer flexible schedules or appropriate support. Where re-entry procedures are restrictive or childcare is unavailable, an interruption in schooling can become permanent.

The result is a cycle in which early pregnancy limits educational opportunities, while reduced access to education can make it harder for young women to secure stable employment and economic independence.

Returning to School Must Remain Possible

Preventing early pregnancy is important, but support for girls who have already become mothers is equally necessary. Young motherhood should not automatically mean the end of an educational journey.

Schools and governments can help by establishing clear policies that allow young mothers to enrol or return after childbirth. Flexible learning arrangements, financial assistance, childcare facilities, counselling and protection against discrimination can make continued education more achievable.

Teachers and school administrators also need guidance on supporting students without exposing them to humiliation or exclusion. In communities where social pressure discourages young mothers from attending school, cooperation with families and local organisations can help change attitudes.

A Wider Approach to Protecting Girls’ Rights

Addressing child marriage and adolescent pregnancy requires action beyond the education sector. Families, healthcare providers, community leaders and public institutions all have roles to play in protecting girls’ opportunities.

Access to accurate, age-appropriate health information and adolescent-friendly healthcare can help young people make informed decisions. Stronger protections against child marriage, support for families facing economic hardship and greater access to secondary education can address some of the pressures that place girls at risk.

Education itself is an important part of the solution. When girls can remain in school, they gain knowledge and skills that can expand their choices and strengthen their ability to participate in decisions affecting their lives.

Progress Must Include Every Girl

The reduction in global gender gaps in education represents meaningful progress, but national averages can conceal the difficulties experienced by girls facing early marriage or pregnancy. The ability to enter school must be matched by the opportunity to complete an education, including for those who become mothers while still young.

UNESCO’s message on the International Day of the Girl Child highlights the need to prevent child marriage, reduce adolescent pregnancy and protect young mothers’ right to continue learning.

Ensuring that girls can return to education after childbirth is not simply a matter of school administration. It is part of a broader commitment to equal opportunity, dignity and the right of every young person to build an independent future.