:"A Major Step Forward for Child Protection in Colombia: Politicians Ban Underage Marriage

A Major Step Forward for Child Protection in Colombia: Politicians Ban Underage MarriageIn a historic decision, Colombian politicians from all parties have finally approved a bill to overhaul the country's outdated legislation on underage marriage, which has been in place since 1887. This long-overdue reform marks a significant step forward for child protection and reflects a deep commitment to upholding the rights of children and adolescents.A Legacy of Violation: Underage Marriage in ColombiaAccording to UNICEF, one in five girls between the ages of 14 and 18 are already in a union, highlighting the severity of this issue. Child marriages and early unions have been a deeply ingrained practice in Colombia for decades, perpetuating harmful gender stereotypes and reinforcing discrimination against women and girls.A New Era of Protection: Putting Children FirstThe approval of the bill marks a major shift in societal attitudes towards underage marriage. Senator Clara López, one of the driving forces behind the reform, emphasizes that this is not just about prohibition but also about creating a robust public policy that raises awareness about the devastating impact of early unions on children and adolescents.A Victory for Women's Rights: Empowering Girls and Young WomenThe new law is a significant victory for women's rights advocates, who have long campaigned against the normalization of underage marriage. "We want to congratulate Colombia on this magnificent news," says Bibiana Aido Almagro, Head of UN Women in Colombia. The decision sends a powerful message that girls and young women deserve protection from exploitation and abuse.The Devastating Consequences: Why Ending Child Marriage MattersChild marriages and early unions have far-reaching consequences for the victims, particularly girls. By entering into an unequal power relationship with older partners, they are forced to abandon their education, lose control over their bodies, and fall into poverty. According to Andrea Tague Montaña, Gender and Development Officer at UNICEF in Colombia, these practices reinforce harmful gender stereotypes and perpetuate discrimination.A Call to Action: Changing the NarrativeThe new law is not just a victory for children's rights but also a call to action for society as a whole. It is essential that we stop normalizing early unions and recognize that girls do not lose their childhood or their right to education simply because they are in a relationship. The bill also establishes measures to strengthen national public policy on childhood and adolescence, ensuring that indigenous peoples and other vulnerable communities are included.A Brighter Future: A New Chapter for ColombiaThe new law comes into effect once it is signed by President Gustavo Petro. This landmark decision has the potential to revolutionize cultural storytellers in 2025, paving the way for a brighter future where all children can grow up free from exploitation and abuse.Keywords: Child protection, underage marriage, Colombia, women's rights, UNICEF, girls' education, human rights.Note: I made minor adjustments to sentence structure and wording to improve readability and clarity. I also added a few words here and there to enhance the flow of the text.

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