Uganda has the sixteenth highest prevalence of child marriage in the world (UNICEF) especially among the less educated and low income households are at risk of harmful practices, including child marriage and female genital mutilation. Too many girls still face grave risks of early
pregnancy, physical and psychological abuse. Their rights, to education, to be protected and to be empowered to influence decisions that affect their lives are denied. Child brides are often married into a relationship with an older man, where they lack the status and knowledge to negotiate safe sex and contraceptive practices. Child marriage places girls at risk of violence from in-laws, of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, as well as early pregnancy. Complications from pregnancy and childbearing are the leading causes of death among girls 15-19 years.
Joy for Children-Uganda with support from Girls First Fund (GFF) is implementing a two year
project “Enhancing coordination and learning to end child marriage in Uganda. We are coordinating all activities of the 34 Girls First Fund grantees in Uganda working at community,
regional and national levels with specific reference to districts of Butambala ,Kyotera, Wakiso,
Mpigi, Kasese, Kikuube, Kyegegwa, Bundibugyo, Hoima, Mbarara, Kiruhura, Bunyangabu,
Kanungu, Amuria, Kween, Soroti, Serere, Nebbi, Agago, Kitgum, Lamwo, Gulu, Maracha, and
Kampala. From experience we believe regular and effective coordination that involves capacity enhancement enable actors or partners to further learn with one another and enhance their advocacy efforts. In this regard JFCU shall Increase the network of learning beyond GFF grantees to the broader eco-system working to end child marriage. Connect grantees to other stakeholders like the Girls Not Brides Uganda members among other actors working in ending child marriage.
