JOhn,

Today is the Day of the African Child, and this year we are shining a light on the increased risk to child marriage and Female Genital Mutilation to girls across Africa. We are also urging African governments to prioritize the establishment of child-friendly justice systems so that girls who face child marriage and FGM can access justice and are protected from further violations. 

As existing situations of gender inequality are exacerbated by the impact of COVID-19, it remains as relevant as ever for governments, donors and civil society to continue taking action to end FGM and child marriage. Equality Now is working nonstop with partners in Kenya, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Tanzania and Uganda to protect girls, and hold governments to account despite the additional challenges during this difficult time. 

Here are some messages from our partners:

“On this Day of the African Child, I would like to say that we have to break our silence by totally condemning and standing against FGM and child marriage. Those taking advantage of COVID-19 restrictions to perpetuate these violations must be held to account.”
-Dorcus Parit, Executive Director Hope Beyond, Kenya

“In Sierra Leone, the lack of anti FGM laws and a political will to end it make it very difficult for women and girls to access justice because they make it difficult for the police to file charges against perpetrators. But I believe that by educating girls and their parents on the harmful nature of FGM, we will end it.”
-Aminata Koroma, Coordinator Girl2Girl Empowerment Movement and Secretary Forum Against Harmful Practices, Sierra Leone

“The prevalence of FGM in Liberia is 49%. Type I is the most common form of FGM but some communities also perform Type II. Unfortunately getting justice is not easy because we do not have a law that explicitly prohibits this practice. We need to establish a law at the bare minimum.”
-Mackins Pajibo, Women Solidarity Inc., Liberia

“Although the Court of Appeal ruled against child marriage last year and set the minimum age of marriage at 18 in Tanzania, this decision has not been enforced. As a result, girls below the age of 18 are still being forced into marriage in total violation of their rights.”
-Francis Selasini, Executive Director, NAFGEM, Tanzania

Day of the African Child Action checklist

Here are a few ways you can support equality for girls this Day of the African Child:

✅ Kenya: Take action to protect girls from FGM & child marriage - enforce your laws

✅ Liberia: Call on the government to enact a comprehensive anti-FGM law

✅ Sierra Leone: Call on the government to enact a comprehensive anti-FGM law

✅ Tanzania: Urge the government to comply with their high court ruling against child marriage 

In Solidarity, 

Felister Gitonga
Program Officer, End Harmful Practices