February 26, 2025
Barah Center, in collaboration with the SIHA Network, organized an important meeting with the participation of various community members in Gedaref State. The attendees included teachers, parents, activists, media professionals, lawyers, doctors, and psychologists, as well as representatives of displaced persons and the host community in Gedaref State. The discussion focused on the devastating impact of child marriage on girls and society, emphasizing the educational, health, and psychological harm they face. The meeting also addressed the role of media, religious, and legal institutions in mitigating this issue. Additionally, it explored misconceptions that justify early marriage, such as viewing it as a form of "protection" or a treatment for disabilities, which exacerbates the suffering of girls with disabilities.
The discussion further highlighted the challenges of community awareness efforts in rural areas and how to develop effective strategies to spread awareness about the dangers of child marriage. It also emphasized the importance of supporting and enforcing laws that protect girls' rights and limit early marriage while working on sustainable solutions to combat this phenomenon.
