Child Marriage Speaking Tour
In July 2006 ICRW hosted a series of speaking appearances by Mahdere Paulos, executive director of the Ethiopian Women Lawyers Association, who has led advocacy and public education initiatives related to child marriage in Ethiopia.
Events took place in Washington, D.C., Chicago and New York City. Between speaking engagements, Ms. Paulos and ICRW staff met with government officials in the U.S. State Department, USAID and Congress, as well as international nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), partner organizations and the press to raise awareness about the problem of child marriage.
The tour coincided with the release of ICRW's child marriage education and advocacy kit (see sidebar), which includes the latest facts and figures about the harms of child marriage. Based on research by ICRW and others, the kit is being used to educate the public and policy-makers about child marriage and to advocate for stronger policies to end the practice.
Washington, D.C.
Wed., July 12: Too Young to Wed
Child Marriage and its Implications for Development
This forum is sponsored by ICRW and the Center for Global Development.
When: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Peter G. Peterson Conference Center, Institute for International Economics
1750 Massachusetts Ave., N.W.
Washington, D.C.
RSVP to: Heather Haines
Thurs., July 20: ICRW Insight to Action Seminar
How Can Advocacy in the United States Help Reduce Child Marriage in Africa and Asia?
When: 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Where: ICRW Washington, D.C. office
1717 Massachusettes Ave., N.W.
Washington, D.C.
RSVP to: Leah Ghoston
Chicago
Wed., July 19: Luncheon and presentation on child marriage
This event is sponsored by ICRW, CARE, Chicago Foundation for Women, The Women’s Center at DePaul University and Heartland Alliance.
When: Noon to 1 p.m.
Where: Chicago Cultural Center
Garland Room
78 E. Washington St.
Chicago, Ill.
RSVP to: Leah Ghoston
New York City
Tues., July 25: How to End Child Marriage in Developing Countries
This forum is sponsored by ICRW; Population Council; the International Women’s Heath Center; and the Episcopal Church, Office of Women’s Ministries.
When: 6 p.m to 8 p.m.
Where: Law offices of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher and Flom, LLP
4 Times Square
New York, N.Y.
RSVP to: Leah Ghoston
For more information about the child marriage speaking tour, please contact Kathy Selvaggio, ICRW's senior policy advocate.