1. The time is NOW to amplify efforts to end child marriage through digital advocacy
This IDG, Girls Not Brides’ members harnessed a huge variety of platforms to amplify the voices of girls and young people, ensuring their interests are at the heart of efforts to end child marriage. From Facebook events, Zoom meetings and social media engagement, our members brought online communities together to say ‘no’ to child marriage.
In one exciting example, Girls Not Brides Uganda hosted child marriage awareness-raising activities to emphasise the importance of a girl-centred and inclusive response to COVID-19 and to call for Power To Girls as part of our flagship campaign this year.
2. Traditional organising and collective action still play a significant role for those facing the digital divide
Digital platforms are transforming work to end child marriage, however traditional approaches to activism continue to be important. UNICEF estimates that globally 2.2 billion people under the age of 25 do not have internet access at home – with girls more likely to be affected.
To be inclusive of those facing the digital barrier, civil society, decision makers and activists must continue to incorporate offline approaches to address the realities girls face in different contexts.
For this year’s IDG, our members engaged girls, communities, governments and parents using offline tools, demonstrating that we can still reach the audiences we need to despite the digital divide. For example, our National Partnership in Mozambique organised a television debate to mark the day and explore the country’s implementation of a national strategy to end child marriage.
3. Inclusivity in action: Investment is needed to ensure digital access for all
There are real challenges to reaching a wide diversity of voices in online spaces. Afia Simpande, Athena WGW Focal Point, Zambia pointed out in an Instagram Live held by Girls Not Brides to mark IDG that “girls continue to face barriers to accessing digital spaces and data. This is particularly the case in areas with high illiteracy levels and for girls living with disabilities.”