Girls Not Brides, a global partnership committed to ending child marriage, recently showcased its solidarity by embarking on a pivotal visit to Uganda. Led by Dr. Faith Mwangi-Powell, the CEO, alongside the African regional leadership team based in Nairobi, Kenya, this visit emphasized support for Girls Not Brides Uganda (GNBU) in their relentless efforts to combat child marriage.
Objectives of the Visit
The primary aim of this strategic visit was to demonstrate unwavering support for GNBU, one of the oldest National Partnerships within the Girls Not Brides network. Simultaneously, it sought to underscore solidarity and align strategies to fortify Uganda’s resolve against child marriage.
Solidarity and Engagement
During their time in Uganda, Dr. Faith Mwangi-Powell and the regional leadership team engaged in various activities aimed at fostering collaboration and amplifying the cause to end child marriage. They reaffirmed their commitment to supporting GNBU, forging stronger ties, and offering valuable insights into global challenges and local priorities.
Addressing Challenges and Encouraging Progress
The team’s visit highlighted Uganda’s commendable steps in addressing child marriage, supported by policy frameworks and commitments at local, regional, and global levels. Notwithstanding these advancements, challenges persist, particularly amidst the global impact of COVID-19, which has exacerbated trends in teenage pregnancies and child marriages.
Collaborative Efforts for Change
Dr. Faith Mwangi-Powell and the African regional leadership team engaged in strategic dialogues and engagements with key stakeholders, advocating for increased resourcing of national strategies, better alignment of statutory and customary laws, and the inclusion of civil society voices in decision-making processes.
Future Commitments
As the visit concluded, it reinforced the commitment of Girls Not Brides to supporting GNBU and similar initiatives globally. The collaboration between the Secretariat team and local partners in Uganda signifies a shared vision to create a world where every girl can thrive free from the shackles of child marriage.