Sahra © Courtesy of Save the Children
Despite progress in many areas, women and girls continue to face deeply entrenched discriminatory systems, norms, and laws that restrict their rights and opportunities. Tackling these harmful gender norms remains crucial—especially in addressing issues like early childhood marriage and female genital mutilation practices that spread gender-based violence and limit girls’ futures.
Aligned with the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, Save the Children collaborates with local women and girls’ rights organizations to confront discriminatory practices and advance gender equality.
A powerful example of this approach is the “Challenging Harmful Attitudes and Norms for Gender Equality in Somalia” (CHANGES) project. The project focuses on reducing early marriage and female genital mutilation by partnering with these local women’s groups to advocate for stronger gender equality laws, and mentor and train adolescent girls in various advocacy activities to ensure their needs and desires for their futures are shared.
Sahra Sufi Hussien attended the CHANGES project training and learnt about the negative impacts of forced early marriage on young girls. How it affects their reproductive health, impedes their prospects, and disrupts their education.
“Young girls forced into early marriage often find themselves ill-prepared for the responsibilities of motherhood” Sahra explained. “I make it a point to share with my daughter the knowledge I gained from the training and the detrimental effects of early marriage."
Local women’s groups are particularly effective in this work because of their strong ties to the community. Trusted by local populations and equipped with deep cultural insights, they can engage key stakeholders, such as policymakers and community leaders, in meaningful ways. Their unique ability to navigate complex social systems and connect with marginalized groups is essential for driving lasting change.
Research consistently demonstrates that mobilizing independent women’s groups is one of the most important strategies for combating violence against women. These organizations maintain long-term relationships with their communities, which is critical for both preventing and reducing gender-based violence.
Through projects like CHANGES, Save the Children, and its partners, with the support of Global Affairs Canada, remains committed to advancing gender equality, protecting women and girls’ rights, and creating a safer, more just world for women and girls everywhere.
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