Inspiring webinar connects child marriage programmes from all over the world
Two local partners of Her Choice represented Her Choice during an inspiring international webinar ‘Adaptive programming of child marriage programmes in Covid-19’ (June 3rd), organised by Girls Not Brides the Netherlands. The webinar had a focus on sexual and reproductive health and rights, child protection and gender-based violence.
The aim of the lecture was to create a space for exchange and learning around experiences with child marriage programmes pivoting due to COVID-19. Among the four presenters were two Her Choice partner representatives: Anbreen Ajaib, director of Bedari, Pakistan and Sumnima Tuladhar, director of CWIN, Nepal. They presented on their successes and the challenges they currently face with programme adaptations due to COVID-19 and both showed how true (female) leadership can make a difference in challenging situations.
‘Let’s keep the hope alive!’
Odilia van Manen, programme manager of the Her Choice Alliance, was impressed by the contributions of the participants: ‘The webinar was an example of how likeminded professionals from all over the world can connect, exchange, discuss and celebrate, despite the tough circumstances.’ Moderator Faith Mwangi-Powell, CEO of Girls Not Brides, aptly closed the event with the following: ‘It’s good to see the resilience of human beings in these times. Even during a lockdown, we can connect. We can reverse the impact of this pandemic. We got this! Let’s keep the hope alive!’
The lecture was an initiative of the Girls not Brides the Netherlands’ Global Learnings Working Group consisting of representatives from the three Dutch child marriage alliances- Her Choice, More than Brides Alliance and Yes, I do – as well as Defence for Children, Dutch Centre of Forced Marriage & Abandonment, Stichting Voice of Afghan Women, and Women Win. The webinar was moderated by Faith Mwangi-Powell, CEO of Girls Not Brides Global. Girls not Brides is a global partnership of more than 1,400 civil society organisations committed to ending child marriage and enabling girls to fulfil their potential. In light of the current pandemic, partners around the world are adapting their programmes to continue reaching and impacting young girls.
