Chad’s Campaign Against Harmful Traditional Practices: Empowering Women and Girls
Activists in Chad have initiated a vital campaign aimed at informing clerics and traditional leaders about the dangers of early marriage, female genital mutilation, and other detrimental practices affecting women. This initiative coincides with the United Nations’ "16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence."
The Prevalence of Early Marriages and Abuse
Government statistics in Chad reveal that approximately 70% of girls under the age of 16 are coerced into marriages with men significantly older than themselves, in some instances, older than their own parents. Furthermore, over 25% of women in this tumultuous nation report experiencing sexual abuse.
Voices Against Abuse
At a gathering in the N’Djamena Central Market, 27-year-old Voyang Claudine urged the audience to boldly speak out against all forms of violence directed at women and girls. As a victim of sexual violence and a spokesperson for the Association of Chad’s Indigenous Women, Claudine passionately condemned both early marriages and the alarming rise of gang rape in conflict-stricken regions of Chad.
Claudine shared that more than half of the women seeking assistance from her organization had experienced sexual assault or rape; additionally, approximately 80 women had been compelled into early marriages by their parents. Those who resisted these abuses faced physical assaults.
Raising Awareness Through Activism
Activists in Chad are utilizing the "16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence" to educate the populace, particularly traditional and religious leaders, about the harmful effects of certain customs on women.
Epiphanie Dionrang, president of the Chadian Women’s Rights League—which advocates for women’s empowerment—highlighted this year’s campaign theme: "Fight Back and Rebuild after Violence." Dionrang emphasized the need to amplify the voices of survivors while offering moral, psychological, and financial support to women and girls. This initiative aims to enhance feminist movements to combat and prevent violence against women and safeguard their rights.
Community Engagement and Education
In a recent segment on state television, Dionrang mentioned that her organization collaborates with numerous humanitarian and rights groups visiting various towns and villages across Chad to raise awareness and educate the public about women’s rights protection. Their mission advocates for equitable access to education for both genders and seeks to eradicate female genital mutilation, a practice some men mistakenly believe ensures a woman’s fidelity in marriage.
Government Support for Women’s Rights
Chad’s Women’s and National Solidarity Minister, Amina Priscille Longoh, addressed viewers on state television, revealing that President Mahamat Idriss Deby is committed to eradicating all forms of violence. He has instructed the government to ensure that abused women or those whose rights have been infringed have free access to justice, medical services, and psychological care. Furthermore, she stated that the government will initiate legal action against troops and rebels who perpetrate sexual violence against women.
Consequences for Abusers
The Chadian government also announced plans to hold accountable traditional and religious leaders who perpetuate outdated and harmful cultural practices that endanger women.
This multi-faceted approach signals a pivotal step towards addressing gender-based violence and fostering a supportive environment for the empowerment of women and girls in Chad.