• 17 Apr 2024

In a half-day workshop titled "Preventing  Early Marriage," community members, parents, educators, and youth came together to tackle the complex issue of early marriage. This event aimed to raise awareness about the implications of early marriages on health, education, and economic stability, fostering a dialogue on this pressing concern.

The workshop of the " Preventing Early Marriage" project was led by the chairman of the Student Youth Organization of Baku Eurasian University. The training was held with the participation of approximately 30 active young girls of Baku Eurasian College and Baku Eurasian University students.

The workshop began with an engaging icebreaker, encouraging participants to share their perceptions of early marriage. This set the stage for a deeper discussion led by a guest speaker—a social worker specializing in youth issues—who highlighted the significant impacts early marriages can have on individuals and their communities.

Following the presentation, participants engaged in a group discussion where they shared personal stories and observations related to early marriages. This open dialogue allowed for brainstorming solutions and emphasizing the importance of community involvement in addressing this issue.

The workshop also included the distribution of valuable resources on legal rights, health education, and available support services for youth facing early marriage. Participants collaborated in an action planning session, developing initiatives aimed at raising awareness and preventing early marriages within their community.

By the end of the workshop, attendees left equipped with a better understanding of early  marriage and practical tools for advocacy. The event fostered a sense of community and commitment to implementing solutions that promote the rights and well-being of young people, ensuring they have the opportunity to pursue their education and life goals without the constraints of early marriage.

Besides, the link between family planning and early marriage was discussed in the workshop. It is clear that young people's access to family planning services is frequently restricted by early marriages, which can result in unplanned pregnancies and impede their access to economic and educational prospects. Also, communities that practice early marriages might improve maternal and child health outcomes by encouraging family planning so that couples can make educated decisions about their reproductive health.

Through these efforts, our university contributes significantly to the development and refinement of SDG policies, ensuring they are grounded in robust research and tailored to address real-world challenges effectively.