Fatshimetrie, an engaging news journal, focuses on a crucial societal issue: the prevention of early marriages. In Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, the NGO “Dynamique Espoir” is leading an awareness-raising campaign among young girls in the commune of Kimbanseke. This initiative aims to raise awareness and provide young women with the knowledge they need to reject this practice that is harmful to their development.
The NGO’s coordinator, Robert Matondo, emphasizes the importance of this awareness-raising campaign by highlighting the risks to which young girls are exposed in the event of early marriage. Indeed, these early unions compromise not only the health of young wives, but also their academic and professional future. In addition, child marriages are a major obstacle to the sustainable development goals.
Marie Claire Tshilomba, an advisor to the organization, emphasizes the importance of creating safe spaces where adolescent girls can exchange and acquire skills in preventing early pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. She points out that these marriages are often seen as a source of income for poor families in rural areas, but that they seriously compromise the future of young girls.
This meeting on the theme “Progress of girls equals progress towards the sustainable development goals, red card to early marriage” highlights the need to promote youth leadership and civic participation in the fight against child marriage. The NGO “Dynamique Espoir” is thus committed to coordinating and supporting young people’s actions for sustainable human development, while defending the voice of youth within decision-making bodies.
In conclusion, the prevention of early marriage is a crucial issue to guarantee a better future for young Congolese girls. It is essential that communities support these awareness initiatives, in order to put an end to this practice which is harmful to the health and future of young generations.