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Voices
AUGUST 2024
Dear friend,
As we step into August, a month traditionally associated with summer relaxation, we find ourselves immersed in a whirlwind of key advocacy moments. This month stands as a powerful reminder of the ongoing efforts, challenges and achievements in the ending child marriage and gender equality.
From a draft bill that could potentially allow girls as young as nine to marry, to the SADC Model Law convening in Zambia aimed at ending child marriage across 16 countries, the stakes have never been higher. We’re also spotlighting a global conference that’s calling on governments to step up and take decisive action against violence against children.
And, we take a closer look at Nollywood’s powerful role in shaping perceptions of marriage and gender roles in Nigeria. How does this influential film industry portray traditional expectations and the status of women, and what impact does it have on societal views?
Don’t miss out on these important updates and opportunities to make a difference.
📢Key Moments
📢Reviewing progress on the SADC Model Law to end child marriage across 16 countries
We were in Lusaka, Zambia, from August 20-22, 2024, for the Regional Convening on the Implementation of the SADC Model Law on Eradicating Child Marriage and Protecting Children Already in Marriage. The event was co-hosted by SADC Parliamentary Forum, Girls Not Brides: The Global Partnership to End Child Marriage, HIVOS, United Nations Populations Fund(UNFPA) East and Southern Africa Regional Office, Plan International’s Southern Africa Programme, and UNICEF to drive action and end child marriage across the Southern Africa region.
Since its adoption in 2016, the SADC Model Law has been a key tool in guiding efforts to eradicate child marriage. Now, we’re coming together to share successes, learn from each other, and build a stronger roadmap for the future.
Discover the key actions required to end child marriage in SADC member states. Stay tuned as we delve into the outcomes of the convening and explore the steps we can take to advance progress in this crucial area.
📰 IN THE NEWS
📰 IRAQ: New draft bill could allow girls as young as 9 years old to get married
In Iraq, a proposed bill seeks to amend the Personal Status Law and Amendments 1959, which could lower the age of marriage to as young as 9 years old for girls. The bill passed its first reading on 11 August 2024, one of three stages proposed legislation must pass before it is put to vote.
📝 FEATURED ARTICLES
📢Global Conference Calls on Governments to Act on Ending Violence Against Children
Girls Not Brides is urging governments to attend the first-ever Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children on 7-8 November 2024 in Bogotá, Colombia, and to commit to ending child marriage, a severe form of violence against children. Visit our website to learn how you can help advocate for action and support this crucial initiative.
🎬 What Nollywood has to do with child marriage?
The article by Aïcha Awa Ba and Salamatou Abdou Karim Yamba, based on youth-led research, explores how Nollywood, Nigeria’s influential film industry, shapes girls' views on marriage through its portrayal of traditional gender roles and depictions of successful women still confined by patriarchal norms. Amplified by social media, these narratives affect girls’ perceptions of marriage and education, pushing them towards early marriages.
📌 IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Alberto's Story: Supporting children through social work
"Educate a girl, it’s like you educated a nation. Educate one boy, it's like you educated a person."
When Alberto's father passed away when he was a teenager, social norms dictated that his mother, as a widow, must give up everything, including her property and her three sons. Alberto's uncles came to take Alberto, his two brothers, and the property away, but his mother refused. This inspired Alberto to become a social worker, supporting children, including those displaced by the civil war in Mozambique. Alberto started his own organisation, Jossoal, working with youth and social empowerment of girls.
Sumaiya's Story: Transforming Harmful Gender Norms
"When I work in my community, when I share my story, it inspires others.”
Sumaiya first experienced the effects of harmful gender and social norms when she learnt to ride a bicycle. She was mocked by her peers, and even by adults. This experience inspired her to become an activist to challenge negative social and gender norms and work for social justice and social movements.
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