Child Marriage: Emerging Drivers & Legislative Action
- This article from Inter Press service reports on a policy brief presented to the Standing Committee of the SADC Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF) by Equality Now consultant Nkatha...
- * Emerging Drivers: The policy brief highlights new drivers of child marriage including: * Climate Change: Disasters like floods (example: Malawi 2019) can lead to spikes in child...
- In essence, the article calls for a more nuanced and proactive approach to ending child marriage, recognizing that the problem is complex and constantly evolving.
Summary of the Article: Lawmakers Urged to Consider Emerging Drivers of Child Marriage
This article from Inter Press service reports on a policy brief presented to the Standing Committee of the SADC Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF) by Equality Now consultant Nkatha Murungi. The key message is that lawmakers need to broaden thier understanding of the factors driving child marriage beyond traditional causes like poverty, and address new and evolving challenges.
Here are the main points:
* Emerging Drivers: The policy brief highlights new drivers of child marriage including:
* Climate Change: Disasters like floods (example: Malawi 2019) can lead to spikes in child marriage.
* Conflict & Insecurity: Displacement and instability remove children from protective environments.
* Migration & Displacement: Similar to conflict, these situations increase vulnerability.
* Technology: While useful for advocacy, technology can also spread misinformation that normalizes child marriage.
* Need for Integrated Strategies: Equality Now recommends integrating child marriage prevention into climate change adaptation and disaster risk management strategies. They also advocate for climate-resilient economic opportunities for women and girls.
* Beyond Poverty: the article emphasizes that simply addressing poverty isn’t enough. traditional approaches haven’t benefited those most in need.
* Importance of Education: education is crucial for empowering girls, keeping them in school, and providing future options.
* Updating the SADC Model Law: The forum was urged to update national laws to reflect these emerging drivers.
* Collaboration is Key: Effective protection requires collaboration between Parliament and the Executive branch to implement policies and fill gaps in existing legislation.
* “Ubuntu” Spirit: South African parliamentarian Sylvia Elizabeth Lucas stressed the importance of compassion and humanity (“ubuntu”) in protecting girls.
In essence, the article calls for a more nuanced and proactive approach to ending child marriage, recognizing that the problem is complex and constantly evolving.