In a bold and unified step towards eradicating child and early marriages, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Philippines, in collaboration with the Council for the Welfare of Children, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), UNICEF, and the Philippine Legislators’ Committee on Population and Development, organized a three-day national consultation. This consultation focused on finalizing the National Action Plan on Child, Early, and Forced Marriages and Unions (CEFMU).
Held in partnership with key government agencies and civil society organizations, the National Action Plan will serve as the framework for coordinated action, fostering accountability and driving meaningful change in the lives of Filipino girls. The initiative aims to ensure that every child, particularly girls, is protected from the harmful practice of early and forced marriage.
Over the course of the event, powerful testimonies from survivors, along with insightful discussions from youth, government representatives, educators, parents, and community leaders, laid the foundation for a collective commitment to safeguard children’s rights. The conference highlighted the urgency of protecting young girls, who are often disproportionately affected by early marriages, preventing them from achieving their full potential.
The consultation marks a significant step toward a future where the Philippines is free from early and forced marriages, ensuring that young people, especially girls, are empowered to make choices for their own futures. This national movement aligns with global efforts to uphold children’s rights and create an environment where they are nurtured, educated, and supported.
As stakeholders from various sectors came together, a unified vision emerged: building a Philippines where every child is free from the chains of early marriage and can thrive in a society that values their rights, health, and future.
Partners in this initiative include:
- UNFPA Philippines
- Council for the Welfare of Children
- Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)
- UNICEF Philippines
- Philippine Commission on Women
- Department of Justice (DOJ)
- Department of Health (DOH)
- Philippine Legislators’ Committee on Population and Development
- Ministry of Social Services and Development (Bangsamoro)
- DepEd Philippines
- United Youth of the Philippines-Women
- Oxfam Pilipinas
- World Vision Philippines
- Plan International Pilipinas
- Save the Children Philippines
- UP Center for Women’s and Gender Studies
This collective movement aims to create a safer, more empowered future for girls across the nation, marking a milestone in the fight against child marriage.