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Ending Child/Forced Marriage
 By participating in modules on human rights and responsibilities, democracy, and health, Tostan participants learn about the universal human right to free consent to marriage. They also learn about the negative health consequences related to giving birth at a young age. As a result of this newly acquired knowledge, Tostan participants have begun to end the traditional practice of child marriage and forced marriage in their communities. To date, over 2,460 communities in West Africa have collectively abandoned child marriage and female genital cutting through public declarations.
What is Child/Foced Marriage?
Among many ethnic groups in
Senegal and other parts of
Africa , marriage before the age of 18 is a common practice for girls. Parents often pressure their daughters to marry while they are still children for a variety of reasons, such as relieving financial burdens, improving their socioeconomic status, or preventing the shame of unwanted pregnancies or other consequences of sexual activity outside of marriage.
Forced and/or child marriage is deeply rooted in the social norms of many African communities. Following modules on human rights and responsibilities, participants lead campaigns to ensure girls are mature enough to make their own decisions. Marrying at a young age prevents girls from staying in school and establishing independent financial security. It also causes health problems resulting from early sexual relations and pregnancy.
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