Beledwein against harmful social norms

Protection

HIWA, a UNICEF Community Care partner conducted a colorful public declaration event in Beletwein district, capital of Hiran region of Hirshabelle State. Hundreds of participants drawn from community discussion participants, (CDPs), community discussion facilitators (CDLs) local authority, GBV/Child Protection committee members, and women and youth groups attended the event. The theme of the public declaration event was "End FGM practice and early child marriage" which is a common practice within the community. All attendees, community participants, and stakeholders unanimously declared that they are all against this kind of harmful social norms.

"As the ministry of women, we are committed to playing a vital role in protecting women and girls and eradicating all forms of harmful social norms in the community. We will issue a bill on these harmful social norms, " said Ms. Farxiya Abdiwali Waabe Mohamed.

In 2021, 476 girls from Beletwein and Bulo-Burde engaged in early marriage and dropped out of school according to a study by HIWA.

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