Girls Not Brides' engagement at the 16th Edition of the World Social Forum

About the World Social Forum-Global Feminist Forum 2024

The World Social Forum (WSF) 2024 convened in Kathmandu, Nepal from February 15 to 19, 2024. Over 50,000 activists and intellectuals from 98 countries across 6 continents engaged in creative and critical dialogues on diverse socio-economic, climatic, and political issues. Their shared vision was “Another world is possible”. During this transformative event, communities of farmers, marginalized women, youth, indigenous groups, and Civil Society Organizations united with hope, inspiration, and solidarity. They aimed to drive positive change toward a more equitable and sustainable future.

The Global Feminist Forum, a dynamic gathering of activists, thinkers, and advocates, was convened in alignment with WSF. This landmark event was orchestrated by over 40 human rights-based organizations, women’s groups, and women’s networks, all united by a shared commitment to advancing gender equality, justice and human rights on a global scale. At the heart of the forum were 12 thematic spaces, each dedicated to exploring key issues affecting women/girls and marginalized communities. These spaces facilitated in-depth discussions, experience sharing, and strategy development to address systemic biases and oppression. Themes such as transformative feminist politics, peace vision, human rights, land rights, bodily autonomy, and ecological justice were explored, reflecting the diverse challenges faced by feminists worldwide. Throughout the event, participants emphasized empowerment, solidarity, youth leadership and intersectional feminist approaches as catalysts for social change. Participants left with a sense of unity and collective purpose, knowing that their voices, when amplified, can reshape societies. The Global Feminist Forum exemplified the power of collective action. By amplifying marginalized voices and building alliances across sectors and regions, it propelled feminist agendas forward, inching us closer to more inclusive and equitable societies.

Women’s Assembly – Critical dialogue on Gender-Based Violence

On February 16, 2024, the women’s assembly organized by the Beyond Beijing Committee convened a critical dialogue on gender-based violence (GBV) during the World Social Forum. Among the esteemed panellists from different sectors of human rights, one was Shristi Kolakshyapati, Senior Officer for Regional Partnerships and Impact for Asia at Girls Not Brides. Her insights shed light on the intricate linkages between GBV and child, early, and forced marriage & unions (CEFMU), emphasizing the urgent need for action.

Progress depends on girls being free to exercise their rights and agency

She underscored that gender inequality perpetuates a cycle of deprivation. Girls and women are denied their basic needs, meaningful participation, and fundamental rights. This inequality is deeply entrenched in social norms, political structures, and economic models. As a consequence, girls and women face restricted access to essential services, including sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), education, and economic and political opportunities. Moreover, their autonomy over their own life trajectory and bodies—deciding when, if, and whom to marry—is curtailed, leaving them vulnerable to GBV.

Multiple factors exacerbate this situation. Poverty, limited educational opportunities, the impacts of climate change, and insecurity compound the challenges faced by girls and women. CEFMU, in particular, magnifies gender inequality and vice-versa. When girls are forced into early marriages, their rights are violated, and their quality of life suffers. Tragically, these consequences extend to their children as well.

Her message was clear: Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) hinges on dismantling discriminatory structures. Until all girls are free to exercise their rights and agency—to make choices and act upon them—we cannot claim true progress. The fight against GBV requires concerted efforts across sectors and communities.

Generation Equality Forum’s Vision for GBV Action

Shristi also shared insights from the Generation Equality Forum’s GBV action coalition. Here are key components of their vision:

1. Changing Power Relations and Social Norms: Addressing GBV necessitates challenging power dynamics and transforming societal norms.
2. Evidence-Driven Approaches: Integrating evidence-based strategies into GBV prevention and response efforts.
3. Comprehensive Commitments: Making and implementing holistic commitments to combat GBV.

Shristi interlinked the above GEF’s vision for GBV action with Girls Not Brides’ strategy. She highlighted how this vision aligns with Girls Not Brides’ strategy and priorities. Our commitment to a gender-transformative and multisectoral approach reinforces the urgency of addressing GBV and advancing gender equality. In conclusion, the path to equality demands collective action, informed policies, and unwavering determination. Let us stand together to create a world where every girl can thrive, free from violence and discrimination.

View media coverage of Women’s assembly during World Social Forum

Global Feminist Forum – Youth-led initiatives to address CEFMU

On February 18, 2024, the Global Feminist Forum-World Social Forum hosted a pivotal event titled “Youth-led initiatives to address Child, Early, Forced Marriage, and Union (CEFMU)”. This event was organized by Girls Not Brides: The Global partnerships to End Child Marriage partnering with Girls Not Brides Nepal, Girl’s Rights Forum Nepal, South Asia Initiative to End Violence Against Children (SAIEVAC), National Action and Coordinating Group to end Violence against Children (NACG), Terre des hommes, Foundation and World Vision Nepal. This gathering was more than just an event; it was a clarion call for change, a testament to the power of youth voices in the fight against child marriage.

Child marriage and youth voices in South Asia

South Asia, home to approximately 45% of the world’s child brides, is at the epicentre of this issue. The region is making strides in reducing child marriage, but the pace needs to accelerate sevenfold to eliminate child marriage by 2030, as per the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5.3.

The event was a vibrant platform for young people to share their experiences, discuss their choices, and advocate for change. It was a recognition of the fact that young people are not just victims or passive recipients of programming, but active contributors with much to offer. The event was divided into two parts.

Part one: Child marriage is a form of violence against children

The first part began with a warm welcome from Adarsha Tiwari, followed by an outline of the event’s objectives by Shreya Gosh, Head of Asia from Girls Not Brides. This was followed by a presentation on child marriage in South Asia by Eshani Ruwanpura, UNICEF Regional Office for South Asia, which sparked discussions about potential solutions to address child marriage.

Dr. Rinchen Chophel, the Director General of the South Asia Initiative to End Violence Against Children (SAIEVAC) and Vice Chair, Rapporteur Focal Point for Asia Pacific, UNCRC was invited as a global speaker. He highlighted the critical issue of child marriage. In his insightful perspective, he emphasizes that child marriage is not only a harmful social practice but also a blatant form of violence against children. By depriving them of their fundamental rights, particularly young girls, child marriage perpetuates injustice.

Key points highlighted by Dr. Chophel:

1. Comprehensive Approach: Addressing child marriage requires a holistic approach that encompasses various aspects of child rights. It is not merely a standalone issue but intricately connected to broader rights and well-being.
2. South Asia’s Potential: Dr. Chophel expresses optimism that South Asia can achieve significant reductions in child marriage. By concerted efforts, the region can contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
3. Involving Children and Youth: Dr. Chophel underscores the importance of including children and young people in efforts to combat child marriage. Their voices must be heard, and they should actively participate in shaping policies and interventions.
4. Governmental Involvement: Governments play a crucial role in formulating policies and strategies to reduce child marriage. Collaborative advocacy efforts with governmental bodies are essential for meaningful change.

Dr. Chophel’s insights served as a call to action, urging us to prioritize the fight against child marriage and protect the rights of our youngest generation. Let us work collectively to create a world where every child’s potential is nurtured and safeguarded.

Part two: We must empower young people to address the root cause of child marriage

The second part of the event featured a panel discussion with youth from the South Asia Region. The panelists shared insights into youth campaigns aimed at addressing child marriage and highlighted the importance of sensitizing adolescent girls and the necessity for policies and activities targeted towards young people to address child marriage at its root cause. Here are the key takeaways from this impactful gathering:

1. Recognizing Fundamental Rights: Child marriage is not merely a harmful cultural practice; it is a violation of children’s fundamental rights. By acknowledging this, we pave the way for meaningful change.
2. A Multidimensional Approach: To combat child marriage effectively, we must engage in multi-dimensional discussions. This means addressing not only legal and social aspects but also understanding the consequences for young lives.
3. Youth-Led Initiatives: Grassroots movements led by young people play a pivotal role. Their passion, energy, and commitment can raise awareness, advocate for policy reforms, and drive interventions to prevent child marriage.
4. Education and Empowerment: Adolescents need access to quality school and higher education including comprehensive sexuality education. Empowering them with knowledge equips them to make informed choices and pursue alternative life goals beyond CEFMU.
5. Policy Advocacy and Collaboration: Governments and organizations must collaborate to formulate effective strategies. By working together, we can address child marriage and protect vulnerable youth.

In conclusion, let us recognize the power of young voices. By empowering adolescents and championing their cause, we can create a future free from the shackles of child marriage. Together, we can make a difference.