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NOVEMBER 2024

Dear friend,

The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is an annual global campaign that runs from November 25 (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to December 10 (Human Rights Day). It’s a time to amplify awareness, demand accountability, and inspire action to end gender-based violence in all its forms.

Why is child, early and forced marriage and unions (CEFMU) a gender-based violence?

1. 𝗩𝗶𝗼𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗥𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗺𝘆: Child marriage denies girls the right to make decisions about their lives, including education, health, and marriage. This lack of agency reinforces harmful gender norms and perpetuates inequality.

2. 𝗣𝗵𝘆𝘀𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗲𝘅𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗩𝗶𝗼𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲: Girls who marry before 18 face a higher risk of intimate partner violence, including physical, sexual, and emotional abuse. They are 50% more likely to experience violence compared to those who marry later.

3. 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗲𝘀: Child marriage often leads to early pregnancies, which in itself is a form of gender-based violence due to the health risks involved. 90% of adolescent births occur within child marriages, exposing girls to life-threatening health risks, including complications during childbirth, maternal mortality and obstetric fistula.

4. 𝗘𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝘀𝘆𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗲: Early marriage typically leads to girls facing isolation from their families and communities, as well as emotional abuse from their partners. Their lack of education and social support makes them more vulnerable to psychological violence. WHO states that girls married at a young age are at higher risk of depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues due to forced marriage and violence within the marriage.

5. 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗽𝗲𝘁𝘂𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗜𝗻𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 Child marriage is a reflection of patriarchal systems that prioritise male authority over women and girls. These norms reinforce power imbalances that perpetuate violence and control over young girls, limiting their access to education and economic opportunities. By denying girls' autonomy, child marriage ensures they remain dependent on their husbands, perpetuating cycles of violence and poverty.

This #16DaysOfActivism [[link removed]*NK-R], let’s raise our voices to protect girls' rights and end child, early, and forced marriages. Every girl deserves safety, choice, and opportunity. Together, we can end child marriage and stop GBV! Join us in spreading the word!

SHARE OUR READY-MADE SOCIAL MEDIA GRAPHICS [[link removed]]

Keep an eye on our social media channels for stories from activists within the movement to #endchildmarriage.

[[link removed]] 📢 LATEST NEWS & UPDATES Colombia Approves Comprehensive Law to Prohibit Child Marriage and Early Unions

The Colombian Congress has taken a historic step by approving one of the most comprehensive laws in Latin America and the Caribbean to ban child marriage and early unions (CMEU). This law not only raises the minimum age to 18 years without exceptions, but also incorporates the creation of a National Comprehensive Program for Life Projects for Children and Adolescents, with a strong focus on prevention.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE LAW [[link removed]] READ OUR POSITION PAPER [[link removed]] 5 Key Takeaways from the First Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children

The first Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children (EVAC), held on 7-8 November 2024 in Bogotá, Colombia, united world leaders, civil society, and child advocates to address the pressing issue of violence against children. The conference generated significant government commitments and financial pledges to safeguard children worldwide.

READ 5 KEY TAKEAWAYS [[link removed]] MOVEMENT MAKERS

As our inspiring #MovementMakers campaign continues, we're thrilled to showcase the story of one more remarkable leader this month.

Bishnu's Story: The Power of Community | 📍Nepal

Bishnu’s story is a powerful example of how career shifts can lead to greater impact. After facing personal challenges, he found his true purpose by working directly with communities. This shift allowed him to create lasting change and transform lives. Watch his inspiring journey of resilience and finding purpose in community work!

Don't miss a single inspiring story — catch up on all our #MovementMakers videos by visiting our YouTube playlist. Also, remember to share these with your networks.

WATCH ALL MOVEMENT MAKERS' STORIES [[link removed]] 📝 LEARNING & RESOURCES New Literature Review: Strategies to End Child Marriage in the Horn of Africa region

Our new report explores strategies to end child marriage in the Horn of Africa, covering interventions in Ethiopia, Somalia, South Sudan, and Sudan. Learn about social drivers, the impact of women-led organisations, and gaps in humanitarian responses addressing child marriage.

FIND OUT MORE [[link removed]] 📌 IN CASE YOU MISSED IT Explore the Latest Child Marriage Data

(available in English only)

The updated Child Marriage Atlas provides the latest data on child marriage rates, trends, and progress across countries and regions worldwide. Featuring detailed profiles and an interactive tool, it highlights the urgent need for action while showcasing developments in the global effort to end child marriage. Explore the Atlas to learn more about the challenges and opportunities in each region.

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Girls Not Brides

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