The underpinning principle of a multisectoral approach is an intentional, coordinated collaboration between relevant partners and sectors to plan and deliver commitments to women’s rights. It is not a concept that is unique to women’s rights but it has been established as a useful tool in tackling various women’s and girls’ rights issues. If deployed properly, it takes the agenda of the protection of women’s rights beyond the national machinery for the advancement of women. In the context of child marriage and in the active implementation of laws and policies on child marriage, the multisectoral approach is an important principle in the implementation of the SADC Model Law on Child Marriage if countries were to address the issue effectively.
The report will thus define the multisectoral approach in the context of child marriage, highlight best practices from countries that are already implementing it, with a specific focus on the role of parliament and CSOs. It will also explore challenges and gaps encountered in implementing the multisectoral approach. Finally, it will give recommendations on how to make the approach more effective.
This policy brief is an addition to our series of policy briefs on ‘Ending Child Marriage In Southern Africa: Gaps And Opportunities In The Legislative Frameworks’, ‘Ending Child Marriages In Southern Africa: Domesticating The SADC Model Law On Child Marriage’, and ‘Ending child marriage in Eastern and Southern Africa: Challenges in implementing domestic laws and the SADC Model Law on Child Marriage’.