Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) is described by the World Health Organisation as “all procedures that involve partial or total removal of the external female genitalia, or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons”. The Asia Network to End FGM/C is a collaboration between ARROW and UK-based NGO Orchid Project. The Network is working towards establishing a platform of NGOs, activists, and researchers across the region to advocate for an end to all forms of FGM/C by gathering data and evidence on its prevalence, engaging with religious scholars and medical practitioners who can influence communities positively, and urging governments to report on the Sustainable Development Goal indicator 5.3.2 related to FGM/C. For more information on the Asia Network, visit www.endfgmcasia.org.

Child, early and forced marriages are still prevalent in some parts of the world, especially in the Global South. They are most widespread in South Asia, and are a major contributing factor to teenage pregnancies in the region. Child marriage is a violation of many aspects of rights, including sexual and reproductive rights. Early marriage often leads to early pregnancies, which could deprive girls of educational and other opportunities and jeopardise their health and their children’s health. It should be noted that raising the legal age of marriage will give women more time to educate themselves and to work, which can also result in women becoming more empowered and improving their sexual and reproductive health. While not all arranged marriages are forced marriages, they both indicate the lack of control women and young girls have over their sexual rights and lives, from choosing their partners to consensual relationships.