End Forced Marriage, Educate Girls

This event is a celebration and acknowledgment of the tireless efforts of volunteers and chapter leaders from End Forced Marriage Inc, who have actively engaged in educational and awareness campaigns across various communities in 2023.
This event is a comprehensive celebration of women's victories, beauty, and courage, marking a significant occasion during International Women's Month, Women's History Month especially observed in the USA and New York City throughout March. It is an event about diversity and inclusion of our girls into the society and liberation from bondages of forced marriage. It serves as a platform for dialogue and raising awareness on critical issues such as gender-based violence, human trafficking, and various forms of abuse, with a particular focus on challenges encountered in forced marriages. The event champions women's empowerment, fostering a spirit of unity, mentorship, and strengthening support networks among women. Attendees will engage in discussions and activities aimed at empowering women, while also celebrating their achievements and resilience in the face of adversity. This gathering is a tribute to the progress made towards gender equality and a call to action to address and mitigate the ongoing challenges women face globally.

END FORCED MARRIAGE INC

End Forced Marriage Inc, founded by Dr. Thandeka Mazibuko MD, a dedicated medical professional from South Africa and a survivor of forced marriage herself, stands at the forefront of combating this issue. Dr. Mazibuko’s personal journey is both harrowing and inspiring; at the tender age of 17, she was coerced into marriage but bravely escaped, taking her son with her and pursuing a medical education at the Nelson Mandela School of Medicine. Driven by her experiences, Dr. Mazibuko’s mission with End Forced Marriage Inc is to empower survivors of forced marriage through access to quality education, enabling them to attend university and achieve lasting independence. This noble cause is championed by End Forced Marriage Inc, a registered non-profit organization based in both the USA/New York City and South Africa.

ABOUT CSW

The sixty-eighth session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68), scheduled from 11 to 22 March 2024 at the UN Headquarters in New York, represents a critical opportunity for advocacy. This gathering will unite representatives from UN Member States, UN entities, and NGOs from across the globe, culminating in the adoption of the Agreed Conclusions—a document that outlines negotiated political outcomes. The focus for 2024 centers on accelerating gender equality and empowering all women and girls by tackling poverty, and enhancing institutions and financing from a gender perspective. Throughout the event, End Forced Marriage Inc will advocate for the consideration of forced marriage within the discussions on inclusive public financing, health, and education.

OUR FOCUS

Continuing from our previous discussion, End Forced Marriage Inc emphasizes the paramount importance of discussions on health, mental health, and the education of girls to the university level, advocating for exclusive access to the highest levels of the academic ladder as they desire. Understanding the profound impact of forced marriage on physical and mental health, as well as on educational opportunities, our advocacy at CSW68 specifically targets these critical areas.

**Health and Mental Health:** Recognizing the severe health consequences of forced marriage, including physical, sexual, and psychological harm, End Forced Marriage Inc is committed to promoting comprehensive health services for survivors. This encompasses not only reproductive and sexual health services but also targeted mental health support to address trauma, depression, and anxiety often experienced by survivors. We advocate for integrated health services that are sensitive to the needs of forced marriage survivors, ensuring they receive the care and support necessary to heal and thrive.

**Education to University Level:** Education is a fundamental right and a critical pathway to independence and empowerment for girls and survivors of forced marriage. End Forced Marriage Inc champions the right to uninterrupted education, advocating for policies and financing that support girls' schooling from primary through to university level. We emphasize the importance of creating educational environments that are safe, inclusive, and supportive for girls and young women, removing barriers that forced marriage imposes on their academic and professional aspirations. Our goal is to ensure that survivors have the opportunity to pursue their education to the highest levels they desire, facilitating access to university education and beyond, thereby unlocking their full potential.

**Advocacy at CSW68:** In our advocacy efforts at CSW68, End Forced Marriage Inc is focusing on securing commitments from international stakeholders to prioritize and address the issues of health, mental health, and education for girls affected by forced marriage. By influencing the CSW68 Agreed Conclusions and collaborating with global partners, we aim to advance policies that support survivors' rights to health, mental well-being, and education. Our presence at CSW68 includes hosting and participating in discussions, panels, and events that highlight the critical need for concerted action in these areas.

**Empowering Survivors:** At the core of our mission is the belief that every girl and woman has the right to live free from coercion and to make decisions about her own life, including marriage and education. Through our advocacy, programs, and partnerships, End Forced Marriage Inc is dedicated to creating a world where forced marriage is eradicated, and all girls and women have the opportunity to achieve their highest aspirations in health, education, and independence.

AWARDS CEREMONY

At this conference, we will be celebrating the remarkable efforts of our volunteers and chapter leaders, who have dedicated themselves throughout 2023 to making a significant impact across communities worldwide. These devoted individuals ventured into schools, homes, charity organizations, their own villages, local shops, and used public transportation as platforms to educate both young girls and boys on recognizing and reporting instances of forced marriage. Our collaboration extends to working alongside police officers, medical professionals, community members, and correctional services staff, all of whom have played a crucial role in our mission. You will have the opportunity to meet the dedicated team members who form the backbone of our organization. Despite being a relatively new entity, the impact we've achieved in 10 countries, including South Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, Iran, the United States, Cameroon, the Philippines, the Dominican Republic, among others, speaks volumes about our commitment and the urgent need for the work we do.

ART EXHIBOTION
During the event, there will be a unique silent art exhibition titled "Isicholo," named after the Zulu word for the traditional hat worn by African Zulu women, symbolizing dignity and beauty. The exhibition is curated by Dr. Thandeka Mazibuko, who uses her artistic expression to navigate through her personal journey of pain, healing, and triumph over forced marriage. Through her art, Dr. Mazibuko invites attendees to reflect on the themes of resilience, liberation, and the empowerment of women who have faced similar adversities. The "Isicholo" exhibition promises to be a profound and moving highlight, offering a silent yet powerful commentary on the struggles and victories associated with forced marriage.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

777 United Nations Plaza, 777 United Nations Plaza, New York, United States