Local Action to End Child Marriage in Assom, Togo

11 community members from Assom came together in a sensitization meeting to address the issue of child marriage. The event took place in a local church from 6:15 p.m. to 8:35 p.m. on Thursday, December 12, 2015.

During the meeting, participants engaged in openly discussing and reflecting on the critical role parents play in influencing early marriage decisions. The conversation particularly highlighted how, sometimes, parental pressure pushes children into marriage without full consideration of the harmful physical, emotional, educational, and social consequences for the child. Participants actively shared real life experiences and observations from within the community.

The session also threw light upon the 100 Days of Action Against Child Marriage, reinforcing the message of how collective responsibility and sustained advocacy can protect children’s rights. Participants were introduced to the campaign’s goals and encouraged to see their own roles as vital to its success, with discussions emphasizing how active community involvement can help protect children’s rights and drive lasting change.

At the meeting’s close, participants agreed on an action plan to share key messages, raise awareness, and spark dialogue on the dangers of child marriage. The session strengthened community commitment, and all 11 participants pledged to end child marriage.