Ending child marriage in Southern Africa: The essential role of parliamentarians

A presentation by Françoise Moudouthe, Girls Not BridesSADC Regional Parliamentary Dialogue on Child Marriage Laws

February 2015

1. The challenge: Child marriage in Southern Africa

1. The challenge: Child marriage in Southern Africa

A. Definition and causes of child marriage

• Definition: A marriage or union where at least one party is a child, which means a person under 18 years

• Causes: – Poverty– Tradition– Insecurity– Gender inequality

1. The challenge: Child marriage in Southern Africa

B. Magnitude of child marriage

• Globally, 15 million girls become child brides every year

• In sub-Saharan Africa, 40% of women are married as children.

• Child marriage is a common practice across the SADC region

1. The challenge: Child marriage in Southern Africa

C. Consequences of child marriage • A violation of girls’ human rights • A health hazard for girls • A barrier to girls’ education. • An obstacle to economic prosperity and

development.

2. The solutions: How can we end child marriage?

2. The solutions: How can we end child marriage?

A. We can end child marriage by developing a comprehensive approach• Empower girls • Mobilise families and communities • Provide adequate health, education, justice and

other services• Provide an enabling legal and policy framework

2. The solutions: How can we end child marriage?

B. We can end child marriage by working together

• Coordination of efforts• Complementarity of roles

3. Importance of the law and role of

parliamentarians

3. Importance of the law and role of parliamentarians

A. The law, a crucial tool for ending child marriage • Establish 18 as the minimum age (no

exceptions, no loopholes)• Consistency across the various legal systems• Consistency in the legal definition of

childhood. • Adequate implementation of the law

3. Importance of the law and role of parliamentarians

B. Challenges to keep in mind – and to address:• A majority of marriages are conducted outside

the formal legal structure (not registered)• Many countries have insufficient birth

registration mechanisms• Most victims of child marriage are incapable of

pursuing any case in court on their own

3. Importance of the law and role of parliamentarians

C. The role of parliamentarians in ending child marriage • Ensuring that the legal framework establishes

18 as the legal minimum age • Calling for the governments to develop

comprehensive national action plans and strategies

• Raising awareness of the consequences of child marriage

Conclusion: NOW is the time to act

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