The 12th edition of the International Forum of Female Elites, held in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, concluded with a crucial discussion on the importance of respecting girls' rights to prevent early marriage. According to Cécile Lepira, a gender expert, promoting a favorable environment for girls' development is essential in combating this issue. The forum, which brought together over 300 participants from 17 African countries and 26 provinces, aimed to address various challenges faced by girls and women in the region.
During the discussion, Lepira emphasized that giving a girl in marriage before the age of 18 is not only a violation of her rights but also a punishable offense by law. The Congolese Constitution recognizes equal fundamental rights for all, and the Family Code and child protection laws provide provisions to prevent early marriages and sanction those involved. Lepira stressed that early marriage has severe consequences on a girl's health, education, and economic autonomy, ultimately affecting her overall well-being and future prospects.
The consequences of early marriage were highlighted as a significant concern, with Lepira stating that it can lead to a loss of autonomy, education, and economic opportunities for girls. She also noted that early marriage can expose girls to greater economic vulnerability, particularly when it compromises their schooling and ability to acquire personal and financial autonomy. The discussion aimed to raise awareness about the importance of protecting girls' rights and promoting their education.
Lepira called upon families to respect children's rights and prioritize their education, emphasizing that the fight against early marriage is crucial for the development of girls, communities, and the nation as a whole. She encouraged girls to acquire autonomy and make informed decisions about their lives, rather than being predestined to vulnerability. The forum provided a platform for girls and women to share their experiences and discuss ways to address the challenges they face.
The International Forum of Female Elites is a pan-African event that has been held for 12 years, bringing together participants from across the continent to discuss issues affecting girls and women. This year's edition focused on the theme of "ending child marriage and investing in girls' rights." The discussion on early marriage highlighted the need for collective action to protect girls' rights and promote their well-being.
According to Lepira, the Congolese legislation strictly prohibits marriage before the age of 18 for both girls and boys. She encouraged girls to be aware of their rights and to report cases of early marriage to the authorities. The forum also provided an opportunity for participants to engage with experts and share their experiences on the issue.
The event concluded with a call to action, emphasizing the need for collective efforts to protect girls' rights and prevent early marriage. The participants were encouraged to take back the lessons learned and share them with their communities, promoting a culture of respect for girls' rights and dignity. The forum demonstrated the importance of collaboration and collective action in addressing the challenges faced by girls and women in the region.
Key points
- The 12th edition of the International Forum of Female Elites in Kinshasa emphasized the importance of respecting girls' rights to prevent early marriage.
- Early marriage has severe consequences on a girl's health, education, and economic autonomy.
- The Congolese legislation strictly prohibits marriage before the age of 18 for both girls and boys.
