In Somalia, worsening drought and economic hardship are driving a surge in child marriages, putting thousands of girls at risk. As climate change intensifies drought cycles, families lose livestock, crops, and income, forcing them into desperate measures for survival. One coping strategy is marrying off daughters in exchange for bride wealth, shifting financial responsibility to the groom’s family. This practice not only robs girls of their education but also exposes them to lifelong risks of abuse, health complications, and poverty. According to UNICEF, hundreds of thousands of Somali children are at risk of dropping out of school due to the drought, with girls disproportionately affected. Once out of school, girls become more vulnerable to early marriage, female genital mutilation (FGM), and gender-based violence. Societal pressures to protect a girl’s “honour” and deep-rooted patriarchal norms further fuel this trend, especially in displacement camps where insecurity is high. Despite legal provisions setting the marriage age at 18, weak enforcement and the dominance of customary and religious law undermine protections. Urgent measures—including enforcing laws, expanding girls’ education, raising awareness, and supporting drought-affected families—are needed to stop this harmful practice and protect Somalia’s most vulnerable girls.