The Lebanese Democratic Women’s Gathering (RDFL) is a non-governmental organization that actively works on protecting women’s rights in Lebanon.
Founded in 1976, the RDFL has created programs to raise awareness about women’s right to safety and education. The organization also empowers women in the social, political, and economic fields.
The RDLF has launched a campaign called #NotBefore18 to raise awareness about child marriage in Lebanon. The launch took place on October 11, which is the International Day of the Girl Child.
In the video, a doctor explains the many reasons why girls should not get married before the age of 18. Medically speaking, the body of a girl who is below 18 years old is still growing. Also, her uterus is still underdeveloped. This means that her pregnancy can be fatal for her and the fetus.
Also, child marriage is preventing girls from continuing their education and having a career. So, they become dependent on their husbands which lowers their self-esteem. Girls should have the right to use all the potential that they have.
RDFL prepared a draft law for the “Protection of Children from Early Marriage” with legal assistance. It was presented to the parliament in March 2017. After the launch of the campaign, Speaker of the Parliament Nabih Berri referred the law to the Administration and Justice Committee for discussion.
Child marriage is a serious problem in Lebanon, and the community should shed light on this issue that is destroying the body and the mental health of young girls.
