Research by the African Union Commission and RIATT-ESA examines some of the existing literature to highlight what is known about the links between child marriage and HIV, and spotlights opportunities for further action.

This webinar explores the findings of the research and examines the implications for programmes and advocacy.

Moderator by Ms Nyaradzayi, Gumbonzvanda - CEO, Rozaria Memorial Trust and AU Goodwill Ambassador on Ending Child Marriage.
Presenter: Dr.Kwalombota M.Kwalombota- Researcher
Presenter: Ruth Koshal- The Senior Africa Engagement Officer at Girls Not Brides the Global Partnership to End Child Marriage, based in Nairobi, Kenya. Prior to joining Girls Not Brides, she was the Director of Social Enterprise at Africa Centre for Entrepreneurship and Leadership in Kenya. Ruth previously worked with Save the Children International as a Senior Manager and World Vision International as a Senior Policy and Advocacy Advisor.
Presenter: Ramatou Tore- Merlo- The Regional Senior Child Protection Specialist for UNICEF West and Central Africa Regional Office located in Dakar. In her capacity she oversees and provides strategic direction and guidance on UNICEF programmes addressing Child Marriage, Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting, Violence against Children and Child Protection Systems Strengtheningin 24 countries across West and Central Africa. Prior to this position, she was the UNICEF Chief of the Child Protection programme in Rwanda from 2012 to 2016. Ramatou Toure also served as a Child Protection Specialist in the Democratic Republic of Congo in Kinshasa and Lubumbashi from 2008 to 2011. From 2006 to 2008 she worked in the Global Emergency Office at UNICEF Headquarters in New York, USA, as a Policy and Advocacy Officer in charge of children affected by armed conflict. Before joining UNICEF, she worked with government institutions and non-governmental organizations across Europe and Africa.

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Webinar hosted by RIATT-ESA and The African Union

About the Award

In East and Southern Africa, 35% of women are married before age 18. Globally, over 650 million women alive today were married as children. Child marriage is rooted in gender inequality and is exacerbated by poverty, insecurity and conflict.

Launched in 2018, RIATT-ESA in partnership with the the African Union and with support from Media Monitoring Africa, launched an award for journalists reporting on Child Marriage. The award was developed in support the African Union Campaign to End Child Marriage Campaign, in an effort to enhance the promotion and protection of the rights of girls and women in Africa. The primary objective of the Award is to promote reporting of child marriage issues; hence raising public awareness, understanding and galvanizing action against child marriage.

The first awards were handed out in 2019 during the during the 3rd STC & SDLE of the African Union.