CEFM is a global issue that violates children’s rights to life, safety, education, and health, restricts their freedoms, and deepens gender inequality. CSOs play a crucial role in combating this issue. Strengthening advocacy capacities in child rights, women’s rights, refugee rights, youth, child health, women’s health, and public health, as well as supporting girls and women and conducting community and rights-based awareness activities, are critical to this process.
Since 2020, we have been working with UNFPA to implement joint projects aimed at strengthening CSOs’ capacity in preventing CEFM. In this framework, UNFPA provides financial support and resources to help institutionalize civil efforts against CEFM, while we contribute our capacity-building expertise to the field.
A Platform for Communication and Collaboration
We implemented the first phase of the CEFM Prevention Support Program from July 2022 to June 2024, during which we supported 10 CSOs with small-scale grants, training, and mentorship to enhance their institutional development. Additionally, we fostered a collaborative space among these diverse CSOs to encourage communication and cooperation.
As the first phase concluded, we developed the “Project for Strengthening the Institutional and Operational Capacities of CSOs Benefiting from the CEFM Prevention Support Program” in partnership with UNFPA for the second phase, which will run from May 2024 to May 2026.
This new phase continues with 8 CSOs instead of 10, as Children and Women First Association and Roman Rights Association are no longer participating. Our goal is to ensure the sustainability of these organizations, support them in creating long-term and lasting impacts, and provide them with new tools and methods for more comprehensive capacity-building support.
Participating Organizations in the Second Phase
- Hayat Sende Youth Academy Association – Ankara
- Equal Rights Monitoring Association – Istanbul
- Flying Broom Women’s Communication and Research Association – Ankara
- Eksi 25 Association – Eskişehir, Kütahya
- Mimoza Women’s Association – Mersin
- Katre Women’s Counseling and Solidarity Association – Erzincan
- Havle Women’s Association – Istanbul
- ORTAKÇA Association – Van
Throughout the implementation period, we will continue to support all participating CSOs through various in-person and online training sessions aimed at strengthening their networking, collaboration, and engagement with other civil society actors.
Grant and Mentorship Support
During this phase, five CSOs will receive grant and mentorship support to enhance their community-based work, policy monitoring, and advocacy capacity. These CSOs will implement local projects focused on CEFM prevention using small-scale grants.
Grant Recipients
- Hayat Sende Youth Academy Association – Ankara
- Equal Rights Monitoring Association – İzmir, Ankara
- Flying Broom Women’s Communication and Research Association – Ankara
- Mimoza Women’s Association – Mersin
- Katre Women’s Counseling and Solidarity Association – Erzincan
With this second phase, we aim to further empower CSOs, expand their impact, and contribute to the prevention of child, early, and forced marriages in a more sustainable and strategic manner.
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