The four Dutch alliances, including Simavi as the lead organisation of the Unite Against Child Marriage Programme, will share lessons learned and evidence-based results. In addition, five international experts will discuss the complexity, challenges and proven approaches to combatting child marriage. At the end of the day, Lilianne Ploumen (Dutch Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation) and Princess Mabel van Oranje (Girls not Brides) will share their visions on child marriage.
Child marriage is a violation of children’s rights to health, protection, and physical integrity, and impedes sustainable development. Tackling child marriage is critical to reducing maternal and child mortality. Together we can make a difference to the lives of these girls. If they can stay healthy and avoid unwanted pregnancy, these girls are able to go to school, work and access economic opportunities. As Simavi says: Health is the first step out of poverty.
More information about the Unite Against Child Marriage Programme can be found here.