Strengthening Global Efforts: UNFPA-UNICEF JP Workshop UnitesStakeholders to End Child Marriage

In an inspiring and collaborative initiative, the UNFPA-UNICEF Joint Program brought together key stakeholders to address the critical issue of child marriage. The four-day workshop, which took place in Nairobi, Kenya from October 24-27, 2023, witnessed the participation of the Program Management Committee for Ending Child Marriage (PMC-E) and key representatives from the UNFPA-UNICEF Global Program countries, including Ethiopia, Mozambique, Uganda, and Zambia. This workshop also extended a warm invitation to rising stars in the endeavor to end child marriage, which comprised Angola, Malawi, Somalia, South Sudan, and Tanzania. The PMC-E Country Office has designated Mr. Kefyalew Asmara to attend theworkshop took place in Nairobi, Kenya.

The primary objective of this workshop was to foster collaboration among stakeholders,
sharing best practices and lessons learned from the second phase while peer-reviewing
draft Theory of Change (TOC), strategic narratives, annual work plans, and result
frameworks for the upcoming Phase III of the Global Program to End Child Marriage
(GPECM). This initiative not only demonstrated the commitment of these nations to
tackle child marriage but also showcased a strong, united front against this deeply
entrenched problem.

1. Collaboration and Unity: The participants at the workshop emphasized the
   importance of continued collaboration. By uniting their efforts, they recognized
   the immense power of collective action in achieving the shared goal of ending
   child marriage.
2. Resource Mobilization: The workshop identified the critical need for resource
   mobilization to support the implementation of Phase III. Funding and resources
   are essential to drive meaningful change, and stakeholders were keen on finding
   effective ways to secure them.
3. Monitoring and Evaluation: To ensure the effectiveness of interventions and to
   make necessary adjustments, robust monitoring and evaluation systems were
   discussed. The participants were eager to track progress and respond promptly
   to the evolving needs of the communities they serve.
4. Timeline and Responsibilities: To streamline the implementation of Phase III, a
   comprehensive timeline was developed. This timeline will serve as a guide to
   ensure timely progress. Additionally, specific responsibilities were assigned to
   relevant stakeholders, reinforcing the commitment to this critical endeavor.

This workshop provided a vital platform for reflection, evaluation, and planning. It underlined the collective determination and commitment to ending child marriage, emphasizing the importance of collaborative action and evidence-based strategies in achieving lasting change. The participants left the meeting with renewed energy, ready to tackle the complex issue of child marriage head-on, knowing they have the full support and collaboration of stakeholders at both the national and international levels.
Generally, this UNFPA-UNICEF JP workshop has not only paved the way for a more
coordinated and strategic approach to ending child marriage but has also illuminated
the path towards a brighter, child-marriage-free future for countless young girls around
the world.