Child, Early, and Forced Marriage
Breakthrough ACTION focuses on strengthening local government and stakeholders’ capacities in social and behavior change (SBC) to reduce child, early, and forced marriage.
Child, early, and forced marriage (CEFM) is defined as marriage before age 18 or marriage that occurs without the consent of those in the marriage.
In Malawi, Breakthrough ACTION led small groups with adolescent girls, boys and their parents to discuss topics such as the health impacts of child marriage, gender and socials norms and gender based violence as well as skills building in self-efficacy, communication (for adolescent girls and boys, positive discipline (for caregivers) and advocacy. This led to the prevention or annulment of over 700 marriages, while in Nepal, project activities include engaging local leaders, providing scholarships for education, and revitalizing support structures to reduce CEFM. Through these efforts, Breakthrough ACTION empowers younger generations to pursue education and advocate for their rights, ultimately making a tangible impact on the lives of girls and boys in Nepal, Malawi, and beyond.
Focus On
Collective Action
CEFM affects an estimated 15 million girls each year and is perpetuated by many factors, including but not limited to poverty, conflict, gender inequality, social and cultural norms, religious beliefs, and economic incentives. Breakthrough ACTION published a series of briefs proposing SBC approaches to strengthen the collective effort to reduce CEFM.
Briefs are available in English and French.
Featured Resources
Understanding Child, Early, and Forced Marriage in Nepal
This report provides an in-depth look at the Reducing Child, Early, and Forced Marriage (R-CEFM) project led by Breakthrough ACTION in Nepal’s Madhesh Province.
Nepal Reducing Child, Early and Forced Marriage Outcome Harvesting Evaluation
This report and summary brief highlight the outcome harvesting evaluation of Breakthrough ACTION's Reducing Child, Early, and Forced Marriage project implemented in Nepal from 2020 to 2024.
Nepal Reducing Child, Early, and Forced Marriage Most Significant Change Evaluation
This report and summary brief present findings from the most significant change evaluation of Breakthrough ACTION’s efforts to reduce child, early, and forced marriage in Nepal.
Why we do this work
In Malawi, Breakthrough ACTION worked closely with 28 community action groups and 280community leaders, training them on how to take the lead and take action against child marriage. In addition, youth clubs were strengthened and able to register as youth-led organizations in the country. These actions along with advocacy and skills building led to the annulment of 414 marriages and prevent an additional 315 more while also re-enrolling 209 girls back in school to finish their education.
