Liberia: child marriage survivors and campaigners march to Parliament

Survivors of child marriage together with activists, stakeholders and major actors in child marriage across Liberia took part in a walk to the national Parliament. 

Co-ordinated by the Our Children Assistance Program In Development and 100 Million Liberia, the event is one of a series of activities, with further action planned to engage members of parliament and the Government to push for stronger action against child marriage. 

One of the organisers, Ewelle S. Williams (main image, second right), delivered a powerful call to action at the rally at the end of the march highlighting how child marriage is holding back progress in Liberia and how this harmful practice denies young girls their right to education, health, and a life of dignity. 

“Across our nation, many young girls are forced into marriage before they are ready - before they even have a chance to dream of what they can become. These are girls with bright minds and boundless potential, who could grow to be doctors, teachers, entrepreneurs, or leaders. Yet, child marriage steals their childhood, their opportunities, and sometimes even their lives. In Liberia, nearly one-third of girls are married before they turn 18. This is not just a number; it is a reflection of lives interrupted, of futures cut short.”

The rally called for greater enforcement of laws, priority for girls' education, changing harmful traditions, increased empowerment of girls, and greater collaboration.

As Ewelle put it: “Ending child marriage is not the responsibility of one group alone. It requires the government, civil society, international organisations, communities, and every one of us to join hands and commit to change”.