28th June 2025
A dynamic webinar titled “Engaging Adolescents and Youth in Dialogue on Child, Early and Forced Marriage (CEFM) and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR)” brought together around 40 adolescents and youth from diverse backgrounds to openly discuss critical issues affecting their lives and communities.

Organized under the broader campaign to end CEFM, the webinar featured Dr. Laxmi Tamang from the Beyond Beijing Committee as the main resource person. Dr. Gurung delivered a detailed orientation on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, highlighting its significance for adolescents and youth in shaping informed decisions and leading healthy lives.

The participants actively engaged in meaningful discussions on the interconnection between SRHR and CEFM, exploring how lack of awareness and access to SRHR can contribute to child and early marriage. Dr. Gurung emphasized the importance of SRHR education in preventing harmful practices like CEFM, particularly by empowering young people with knowledge about their bodies, rights, and choices.

The discussion also delved into the physical development of adolescents and how early marriage can negatively affect their growth, health, and overall well-being. Participants shared personal insights, posed thoughtful questions, and expressed a strong interest in continuing such dialogues in their communities.

This webinar organized by Girls Not Bride (GNB) Nepal, with the support of CWIN-Nepal, National Adolescent Girls’ Network, National Inter- Religious Network (NIRN-Nepal) and supported by Save the Children UK, served as a crucial platform for amplifying young voices and strengthening youth engagement in the movement to end child, early, and forced marriage through the lens of SRHR.