The Rosana Empowerment Foundation (REF) proudly joins the global community in observing the 2024 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. This annual campaign, running from November 25 to December 10, amplifies global efforts to eliminate gender-based violence in all its forms. For 2024, REF is zeroing in on a critical issue that affects millions of girls worldwide: Child, Early, and Forced Marriages and Unions (CEFMU).
Why REF Stands Against CEFMU
Child, early, and forced marriages and unions are gender-based violence that rob girls of their childhood, autonomy, and futures. It is a practice deeply rooted in harmful gender norms and inequalities, disproportionately affecting girls and women. This tradition is not only a violation of basic human rights but also a significant barrier to achieving gender equality and sustainable development.
The Realities of CEFMU
1. Violation of Rights and Autonomy
Child marriage denies girls the fundamental right to choose their paths in life, including their education, health, and future relationships. By stripping them of agency, it perpetuates inequality and reinforces a system where girls are valued less than boys.
2. Physical and Sexual Violence
Girls forced into early marriages face a heightened risk of intimate partner violence. Research shows they are 50% more likely to experience physical, sexual, or emotional abuse than those who marry later. The lack of maturity and power imbalance in these unions often leave them unable to defend themselves or seek help.
3. Forced Pregnancies and Health Risks
CEFMU subjects girls to early pregnancies, exposing them to severe health risks. 90% of adolescent births occur within child marriages, leading to complications such as obstetric fistula, maternal mortality, and long-term reproductive health issues.
4. Emotional and Psychological Abuse
Young brides often endure isolation, emotional neglect, and psychological violence. According to the World Health Organization, girls married before adulthood are at a greater risk of depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues, compounded by the stress of forced unions and violence.
5. Perpetuation of Gender Inequality
Child marriage reflects deeply ingrained patriarchal systems that prioritize male authority and control. This dynamic ensures that girls remain dependent, uneducated, and economically vulnerable, perpetuating cycles of poverty and violence across generations.
REF’s Call to Action
This #16DaysOfActivism, REF calls on everyone – individuals, communities, governments, and organizations – to:
- Speak Out: Raise awareness about the devastating impact of child marriage on girls, families, and communities.
- Demand Accountability: Advocate for the enforcement of laws and policies that protect girls from early marriages.
- Support Girls: Invest in education, healthcare, and economic opportunities for girls to empower them to build their futures.
- Challenge Norms: Engage communities to dismantle patriarchal systems and promote gender equality.
Together, We Can Make a Difference
REF believes that every girl deserves safety, choice, and opportunity. By ending child marriage, we can stop a significant form of gender-based violence, protect girls’ rights, and ensure their voices are heard.
Join us in spreading the word. Share our message, support our efforts, and be part of the global movement to end gender-based violence. Together, we can create a world where every girl can thrive.
#EndChildMarriage #StopGBV #16DaysOfActivism #GirlsDeserveBetter
