“Violence against women is rooted in deeply ingrained social norms that portray women as less than men.”

Writing on International Women’s Day for Skoll World Forum, Gro Harlem Brundtland argues that to end the violence affecting millions of women worldwide, we must transform the conditions that make this violence possible.

“The 21st century is Africa’s century”

From the women peace-builders telling senior African Union officials “enough is enough” to the activists demanding justice for victims of sexual violence: Mary Robinson blogs about the inspiring women she met during her recent visit to Addis Ababa.

“It is ambitious to say that we can end child marriage by 2030, but I am convinced it is possible.”

Writing for Impatient Optimists, Gro Harlem Brundtland argues that including an end to child marriage in the UN’s new development goals would do much to empower girls, provide them with opportunities and ensure their well-being.

“To be successful in eradicating child marriage by 2030, there is no village, no township, no corner of this great continent that should not hear the message that child marriage can end.”

Following a meeting with Girls Not Brides member organisations from across Africa last year, Graça Machel urges African civil society to unite in their efforts to end child marriage.

“I call on men and boys everywhere to take a stand against the mistreatment of girls and women. It is by standing up for the rights of girls and women that we truly measure up as men.”

To mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, Desmond Tutu argues that child marriage is a form of violence. Writing for the Skoll World Forum and CNN, he urges men and boys to challenge harmful traditions and protect the rights of girls and women.

"Girls have no status, no protection and no prospects in many families and communities – and this is simply the way things are. Inequality is so entrenched that it isn’t even questioned."

In a blog for DFID (the UK Department for International Development) on the inaugural International Day of the Girl, Graça Machel welcomes the focus on child marriage as an entry point to achieving universal education, health and economic development worldwide. She argues that only by ending child marriage can we empower girls and women – to the benefit of everyone in society.

“Indian communities and their leaders are starting to realise how much potential lies in the empowerment of their sisters, mothers, wives and daughters.”

Despite India's rapid economic growth, it remains home to one third of the world's poorest people – and one third of the world's child brides. After visiting the country with his fellow Elders last month, Archbishop Tutu sees encouraging signs that young people and leaders alike are beginning to put equality for girls and women at the heart of India's development.

“They want to be part of their country’s tremendous growth and opportunity; they want the chance to grow up before becoming parents themselves.”

After returning from India, Gro Brundtland blogs about the Elders' visit to an innovative youth-led project tackling entrenched attitudes towards child marriage in the state of Bihar.

“We hope to listen to girls affected by child marriage, their parents, their teachers and community leaders – and amplify their needs and concerns in our conversations with government, media and other influential people.”

Ela Bhatt is joined in India by her fellow Elders Desmond Tutu, Gro Brundtland and Mary Robinson at the start of a week-long visit focusing on the empowerment of girls and women.

“This shouldn’t be such a difficult topic for people of faith. It seems entirely consistent with the teachings of the world’s great religions that men and women are equal in the eyes of God.”

After a meeting with fellow religious leaders at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Archbishop Desmond Tutu writes about the role faith leaders can play in promoting equality for girls and women.