The Southern African region is currently experiencing a severe drought caused by the El Niño weather phenomenon, affecting around 56.8 million people who are struggling to find food.
A recent report by ActionAid revealed that some families have resorted to marrying off their daughters in exchange for food due to the dire circumstances.
According to euronews, the charity emphasized the need to prioritize the protection of young women amid the devastating effects of this ongoing El Niño-induced drought.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) has identified this as the worst drought the region has faced in a century, with crop failures stemming from the early onset of the drought this year due to insufficient rainfall.
Additionally, ActionAid’s report also highlighted how the increased burden of unpaid care work, combined with reduced access to essential services and support, is leaving women vulnerable to exploitation and gender-based violence.
