Cape Town, South Africa—Former First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama, global philanthropist Melinda French Gates, and leading human rights lawyer Amal Clooney recently brought together influential leaders and experts in a compelling discussion aimed at eradicating child marriage and empowering adolescent girls worldwide. The event, which took place at the Centre for the Book, drew in key stakeholders, dedicated advocates, and renowned personalities, including former First Lady of South Africa and Mozambique, Graça Machel, to amplify their shared commitment to removing barriers hindering the progress of young women across the globe.
During the event, Michelle Obama, Melinda French Gates, and Amal Clooney shared powerful insights from their recent journey to Malawi, touching on critical discussions with partner organizations such as Advancing Girls’ Education in Africa (AGE Africa), The Women Lawyers Association of Malawi, and Girls Not Brides Malawi. Their reflections illuminated the urgent need to address the complex challenges surrounding child marriage and the empowerment of young girls, emphasizing the pivotal role of grassroots leaders and organizations in effecting meaningful change.
Mrs. Michelle Obama, Founder of the Obama Foundation’s Girls Opportunity Alliance, emphasized the imperative of education in disrupting the cycle of child marriage. Reflecting on the work of the Girls Opportunity Alliance, she expressed her enthusiasm to collaborate with Melinda French Gates and Amal Clooney in investing in local leaders and organizations striving to end child marriage, underscoring every girl’s right to a life where her dreams can flourish.
Melinda French Gates, Co-Chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, stressed the need for comprehensive strategies tailored to address the root causes of child marriage. She highlighted the significance of investing in women and girls while advocating for collaborative efforts informed and led by communities to ensure every girl possesses the agency to shape her own life.
Amal Clooney, Co-Founder of the Clooney Foundation for Justice, provided a legal perspective, emphasizing the transformative power of law in driving change. Her compelling call to action shed light on the need for international collaboration to enforce legal measures against child marriage while empowering women and girls to understand and assert their rights. She recounted her experience in rural Malawi, where thousands sought legal guidance, reaffirming her commitment to empowering women and girls to make child marriage history.
Former First Lady of South Africa and Mozambique, Graça Machel, passionately addressed the social and economic repercussions of gender inequity, challenging cultural norms that disadvantage women and girls. She advocated for a unified effort to invest in women and girls, emphasizing their right to self-determination and the importance of placing the girl child in her rightful place as a full human being.
The event also featured impactful contributions from Dr. Faith Mwangi-Powell, CEO of Girls Not Brides, Memory Banda, Malawian Children’s Rights Activist, Ulanda Mtamba, Country Director of Advancing Girls’ Education in Africa, Kadidiatou Konate, Executive Director of the Young Girl Leaders Club of Guinea, Rebeca Gyumi, Executive Director of the Msichana Initiative and the Tanzania Ending Child Marriage Network, and Lakshmi Moore, Program Director of Girls First Fund. These esteemed figures highlighted the critical role of civil society, community-led initiatives, and grassroots leaders in driving sustained efforts to end child marriage.
The event culminated with a resounding call to action, emphasizing the indispensable need for continued collaboration and sustained efforts to eradicate child marriage globally. The leaders present exuded palpable optimism and unwavering determination, affirming their shared belief that concerted efforts can pave the way for enduring progress in ending child marriage and empowering girls worldwide.
