2024: A Year of Progress in Ending Child Marriage

As I celebrate my fifth year with Girls Not Brides, I find myself reflecting on a year that has been nothing short of extraordinary for our global movement to end child marriage.

We’ve witnessed threats to girls' and women’s rights, such as efforts to repeal the FGM/C ban in The Gambia and Iraq’s devastating proposal to lower the legal age of marriage to nine. Conflict continues to place countless girls at risk, while the cost-of-living crisis pushes families deeper into poverty.

But even in the face of these challenges, we have witnessed incredible moments of change and hope.

A year of transitions and triumphs

In 2024, Girls Not Brides welcomed a new Chair of the Board, Dr Alaa Murabit and said a fond farewell to Dr Anne Gallagher. Our Secretariat team welcomed new, energetic, and talented team members with fresh perspectives and passion to our mission. These changes have reinvigorated our teams and leadership, strengthening the foundation for the future whilst continuing to build on our successes.

Legislative changes

This year, governments have stepped up to protect girls and take action to end child marriage:

• Colombia passed a law to end child marriage, setting a powerful example for Latin America where progress in reducing child marriage and unions has stagnated.
• The United States introduced a new federal bill to protect girls, demonstrating national efforts to safeguard girls' rights.
• Sierra Leone passed a historic bill, securing the future of its girls.
• Malawi launched its national strategy to end child marriage.

Each of these successes was the result of many years of collective action with Girls Not Brides members and the entire movement to end child marriage. They serve as powerful reminders that progress is possible when we stand together.

Amplifying voices

This year, we continued to amplify the voices of our movement. Global media platforms like France 24 have helped us emphasise that ending child marriage is about more than legislation. It’s about transforming the narratives that hold girls back and limit their potential. Through our Movement Makers campaign and active social media engagement on platforms like Instagram and Facebook, we have showcased inspiring stories of changemakers, activists and leaders from around the world, highlighting their personal journeys and the work they do to create a better future for girls.

Looking ahead to 2025

As we approach 2025, the final year of Girls Not Brides’ Secretariat Strategy 2022–2025, we are poised to make bold strides toward ending child, early, and forced marriage and unions (CEFMU). At the heart of our efforts is the launch of The Accelerator to End Child Marriage, aiming to unite and mobilise the entire child marriage ecosystem to drive systemic change for and with girls to end child marriage, everywhere.

Five years ago, I joined this movement believing in the power of partnership. Today, that belief is stronger than ever. This work continues to show me that change is not just possible – it is inevitable when we stand together.

Faith Mwangi-Powell, CEO of Girls Not Brides