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Grand District-Level Advocacy Campaign CEFM
Ending CEFM Together: A Day of Action, Engagement, and Impact
Khairpur Hosts Grand Advocacy Campaign to End Child, Early, and Forced Marriages
Khairpur Mirs, June 14, 2025 — In a powerful show of collective action, the District Learning Forum (DLF) Khairpur, in collaboration with Sewa Development Trust Sindh (SDTS), Strengthening Participatory Organization (SPO), Save the Children, and the U.S. Department of State, organized a grand district-level advocacy campaign titled “Ending CEFM Together: A Day of Action, Engagement, and Impact.”
Held at Sachal Academy, the day-long event mobilized over 600 participants including government officials, youth leaders, civil society representatives, community elders, teachers, students, and survivors of child marriage. The campaign aimed to amplify grassroots voices, raise awareness about the Sindh Child Marriage Restraint Act 2013, and advocate for stronger policy implementation.
According to UNICEF, nearly 18% of girls in Pakistan are married before the age of 18. In Sindh, particularly in rural areas like Jacobabad, rates soar above 45%. This event spotlighted these alarming figures through survivor stories, interactive theater, panel discussions, exhibitions, and an awareness walk.
Keynote speaker and Chief Guest Commissioner Sukkur Mr. Fayaz Abbasi praised the role of youth and local CSOs in leading the fight against CEFM. “Such grassroots movements are critical to influencing change at the policy level,” he noted.
Panel discussions focused on three key areas: the impact of CEFM on girls’ education, strengthening adolescent health systems, and enforcing child marriage laws. High-level speakers from the Sindh Human Rights Commission, Education and Health Departments, Ombudsman’s Office, and Civil Society emphasized collaboration and sustained community engagement.
The event also featured a powerful street theater performance by Sachu Theater Group, an IEC exhibition from six partner CSOs, a youth-led pledge ceremony, and an awareness rally from Sachal Academy to Radio Pakistan.
Participants committed to monthly coordination meetings, expanded community outreach, and stronger enforcement of child marriage laws. The event concluded with certificates and shields awarded to volunteers, youth champions, and winners of a drawing competition held on the theme of ending child marriage.
The Grand Advocacy Campaign marked a milestone in the province’s fight against CEFM, creating new pathways for collaboration, youth empowerment, and legal reform.
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