NOVEMBER 2024 

Dear friend,

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, 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!

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

📢 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.

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. 

 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

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.

📝 LEARNING & RESOURCES

📌 IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

Explore the Latest Child Marriage Data

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