Yesterday was the launch of Girls Not Brides in the Netherlands. ICDI is one of the founders of Girls Not Brides Netherlands together with twelve other organizations trying to end Child Marriage.
Mabel van Oranje, Board Chair Girls Not Brides, is more than happy with the launch:
“Girls Not Brides the Netherlands is the 8th National Partnership to join Girls Not Brides: The Global Partnership to End Child Marriage. The launch of Girls Not Brides the Netherlands comes at a time when we are making encouraging progress in ending child marriage. Yet, global efforts must be accelerated if we want to avoid that the number of women married as children reaches 1.2 billion by 2050. The Netherlands is already a global leader in tackling child marriage; the Dutch government, donors and non-governmental organisations are each making valuable contributions. In the coming years, it will be important to work closely together with governments of countries which have high child marriage rates. It will also be crucial to support the work of grassroots organisations which understand the realities of the communities where girls marry too young. They are often the ones working with girls themselves to ensure they are empowered to make their own choices – and can engage in an effective and credible way with the parents and local leaders to help them understand why delaying the age of marriage is good for their girls and their communities. By working in partnership, we will be able to create a world where every girl can live up to her full potential and has the chance to make her hopes and dreams a reality.”
Read more about our programme to end child marriage: HER CHOICE
