Community Awareness Strengthens Action to End Child Marriage in Burundi

As part of the 100 Days of Action to End Child Marriage, a community awareness and sensitisation session was held in Burundi, bringing together 144 participants, including 107 adults and 37 children, to strengthen understanding of the risks and consequences of child marriage and forced unions.

The session was organised within the community to ensure accessibility and encourage broad participation. Facilitated by Emmanuel Ndaruzaniye, the dialogue focused on how early and forced marriage affects children’s health, education, safety, and long-term opportunities. Participants engaged in open discussion on why protecting children from early marriage is essential to safeguarding their rights and futures.

A key component of the session was information-sharing on legal frameworks, including the legal age of marriage and the importance of adhering to national laws designed to protect children. The discussion also explored the links between child marriage, gender-based violence, and sexual harassment, helping participants understand how these issues intersect and reinforce one another.

The session was conducted in clear, accessible language, creating a safe space for participants to ask questions, share perspectives, and reflect on their own roles within families and neighbourhoods. Community members actively contributed to the discussion, demonstrating growing awareness and collective responsibility.

The engagement concluded with participants committing to continue conversations within their communities, share key messages, and support ongoing efforts to prevent child marriage and forced unions. This session marked another step in strengthening community-led action and reinforcing the shared commitment to building a Child Marriage Free World.