Implementing Partner: IWO Sindh
Supported by: Save the Children & U.S. Department of State
Coordinated through: Strengthening Participatory Organization (SPO)
Location: Taluka Sobhodero District Khairpur, Sindh
Theme: Youth Engagement & Advocacy to End CEFM

Project Summary

IWO Sindh is implementing the CEFM project in five Union Councils of District Khairpur Taluka Sobhodero (Sobhodero, Madd, Pir Hayat Shah, Sami, Sagyoon) to combat child, early, and forced marriages. The initiative empowers adolescents and youth especially from marginalized groups through leadership development, awareness campaigns, and community advocacy. Youth Champions (both girls and boys) lead outreach on education, sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR), and legal literacy. The project also strengthens coordination via the District and Provincial Learning Forum (DLF, PLF) to ensure joint action and policy dialogue.

Key Challenges

• Cultural Norms: Patriarchal traditions sustain early marriages.
• Poverty: Families marry off girls to reduce financial burden.
• Weak Enforcement: Despite the Sindh Child Marriage Restraint Act (2013), enforcement is limited.
• Education Gaps: Poor access and high dropout rates push girls into early marriage.
• Limited Youth Voice: Adolescents, especially girls, lack decision-making power.
• Health Risks: Low SRHR awareness and services heighten risks for married adolescents.
• Stakeholder Gaps: Weak CSO-government coordination limits effective response.

Key Activities

• Mobilization & training of Youth Champions
• Advocacy campaigns led by girls and boys at UC level
• Youth–government dialogues on laws and services
• Community workshops on CEFM prevention and legal rights
• Social media campaigns via Facebook, WhatsApp, TikTok, LinkedIn
• District-level advocacy event under DLF, with theater, exhibitions, and rallies
• Creative competitions (drawing, art, expression) for youth engagement
• IEC materials development and community dissemination

Long-Term Impact

• Youth leadership: Informed youth advocating for rights and equality.
• Community awareness: Gradual shifts in attitudes against CEFM.
• Policy strengthening: Improved accountability and law enforcement.
• Education & SRHR access: Increased retention of girls in schools.
• Scalable model: Replicable youth-led advocacy approach for other districts.
• Breaking the cycle: Delayed marriages leading to healthier generations.
• Civil society collaboration: Stronger networks through DLF/PLF.
• Cultural change: Creative media normalizing girls’ education and autonomy.

IWO Sindh
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