Working with faith and community leaders to protect girls
Faith and community leaders are among the most trusted voices in many communities. When they speak up for girls, families listen. This article explains how working with them can help to end child marriage.
Trusted voices
Families often turn to imams, elders and other respected figures for advice about marriage. Their words can encourage a family to wait, or push it to marry a daughter young.
Shared values
Care for children, justice and compassion are values shared across faiths and cultures. Many leaders see the protection of girls as part of their duty to their community.
Working together
- Invite leaders to learn about the health and social harm of early marriage.
- Support leaders who already speak out for girls.
- Hold open discussions that respect people's beliefs.
- Bring leaders, families and girls together to find solutions.
Respect builds change
Lasting change comes from inside communities, not from attacks from outside. A respectful partnership with faith and community leaders helps to protect girls for generations.