Webinar ~ GBV Spotlight: The Race to End Child Marriage by 2030

In commemorating the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (November 25-December 10), The Episcopal Diocese of New York Task Force on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault and Episcopal Relief & Development are pleased to present this webinar, GBV Spotlight: The Race to End Child Marriage by 2030.

Child marriage is qualified as a gender-based violence because it is predominantly experienced by girls and is rooted in systemic gender disparities. Young girls who enter a marriage as children frequently suffer physical and mental trauma, including sexual assault, domestic abuse, and denial of their fundamental rights and prospects. It strengthens damaging stereotypes about how women should behave and feeds a vicious cycle of prejudice. For the purpose of reducing gender-based violence and advancing gender equality, child marriage must be actively opposed.

Even though the number of child marriages has declined globally—from one in four girls getting married a decade ago to roughly one in five today—the practice is still widespread. Prior to the pandemic, it was estimated that more than 100 million girls within the next decade would enter into marriage before their eighteenth birthday. Today, that estimation is even higher. According to UNICEF, to achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5 by 2030, progress to end child marriage needs to accelerate dramatically.

As a faith-based organization, we will discuss how the church may support vulnerable and marginalized groups in the community and help bring an end to child marriage.

Panelists

Mr. Ernest Cajuste
Senior Program Officer, Trauma & Resilience, Episcopal Relief & Development

Mr. José-Raoberto Luna
Technical Specialist Adolescents and Youth, Child Marriage, UNFPA

Dr. Lopita Nath
Professor and Department Chair, University of the Incarnate Word

Ms. Navya Shah
Advocacy and Resettlement Fellow, Too Young to Wed

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