Life Concern Joins the Fight Against Child Marriages at Girls Not Brides 2024 Annual Conference

LICO Director presenting during Annual Conference in Mponela, Malawi

Despite progress in policy and advocacy, child marriage and gender-based violence (GBV) remain persistent challenges in Malawi, particularly in rural communities where poverty, harmful social norms, and limited access to education continue to place girls at risk. Thousands of girls are still forced into early marriages each year, cutting short their education, exposing them to health risks, and limiting their future opportunities. Ending these practices requires coordinated action, shared learning, and strong collaboration among civil society actors.

In this context, Life Concern participated in the Girls Not Brides 2024 Conference held in Mponela, Malawi, joining civil society organisations from across the country, including members of the Girls Not Brides Malawi Chapter. The conference provided a national platform for organisations working on GBV prevention, child protection, and girls’ rights to exchange experiences, reflect on lessons learned, and strengthen collective advocacy efforts.

During the conference, LICO showcased its community-based interventions aimed at preventing child marriage and GBV, including school-based prevention initiatives, engagement of boys and young men, self-defense training for girls, community awareness campaigns, and collaboration with justice and child protection systems. Through these approaches, LICO shared practical insights on what works in challenging harmful norms and promoting safer environments for girls at community level.

Participation in the conference also enabled LICO to engage in dialogue on emerging trends, policy gaps, and implementation challenges faced by organisations working with vulnerable girls. Discussions highlighted the importance of survivor-centred approaches, sustained community engagement, and stronger linkages between prevention, protection, and access to justice. These conversations are critical in ensuring that national commitments translate into meaningful change for girls on the ground.

The conference further strengthened LICO’s partnerships with fellow civil society organisations, networks, and advocates working towards a shared goal of ending child marriage and GBV in Malawi. By learning from peers and contributing field-based evidence, LICO continues to refine its strategies in line with national and global best practices.

LICO remains committed to advancing gender equality and protecting the rights of girls through integrated, community-driven interventions. Participation in platforms such as the Girls Not Brides Conference reinforces LICO’s resolve to collaborate, advocate, and act, ensuring that every girl has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive in a safe and supportive environment.