Ann Warner: Include families, communities in programs to end child marriage

Ann Warner: How education can deter child marriage

Child marriage affects girls — but the solution to end the practice needs more than focusing on the victims.

Effective programs to end child marriage should also include the families of the girls and members of the communities where they live as these are the ones that often make the decisions on the girls’ behalf, according to Ann Warner, senior gender and youth specialist at the International Center for Research on Women.

Such an approach will raise awareness of the harmful effects of child marriage and help develop an alternative to the practice that is considered safe, healthy and acceptable in that cultural context, Warner told Devex.

Click on the above video for more insights from Warner on the importance of education and partnerships in improving the situation of girls.

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