Stand Against Forced Marriages

As the days grow longer and resources remain scarce, many mothers carry the weight of depression, fear and survival on their shoulders.

Every morning, Shakira wakes up with her son, determined to ensure he is fed, cared for and safe. In communities where opportunities are limited and cultural pressures, poverty and lack of education persist, forced marriage remains all too common. These practices, along with gender-based violence are fueled by deep-rooted social norms, economic hardship and the absence of protective systems for women and girls.

Forced marriage robs girls of their childhoods, limits access to education, exposes young mothers to poverty, health risk and social isolation and perpetuates cycles of inequality. Yet women like Shakira fight every day  not just to survive but to create a better future for their children.

At ChildCare Foundation, we empower women and families through economic empowerment programs, vocational training and awareness initiatives. By providing women with skills, resources and strong support networks, we help them resist forced marriages, prevent gender-based violence and secure safe, dignified futures for themselves and their children.