By: Haruna Kuyateh, in NBR
Society for the Study of Women Health (SSWH) in the Gambia and Agency for the Development of Women and Children (ADWAC) sensitize communities on baseline study on early marriage at ADWAC conference hall in Kerewan in Lower Baddibou District in North Bank Region.
SSWH, ADWAC are implementing a five years Research Project dubbed: Preventing Early Marriage in the Rural Gambia; testing an intervention.
The project is supported by International Development Research Centre of Canada. The project organize a day long community meeting for Community Based Committees (CBC) of phase one baseline study to be conducted during the month of January.
Speaking on the occasion Dr. Mat Lowe, Project Leader and Principal Investigator said the project attaches great important of working with Community Based Committees from 25 villages of Lower Baddibou to serve as “gatekeepers” and liaisons between the study communities and the research team.
He said community based committees will be involved in the designing and co-creation of the package of interventions that will be derived from the findings of the baseline study and implemented in both Lower and Central Districts.
He explained that it will focus on preparing and developing an indicative timeline and action plan for the conduct of the baseline study (in phase 1) of the project, which is expected to begin in the coming days.
Dr. Lowe, reiterated of his commitment to ensure capacity development of committees through training and support them to organize community engagement forums on early marriage, form a core communication team for social mobilization, advocacy and door-to-door campaign on early marriage in their communities.
Musa Jobe Finance, Manager of ADWAC reiterated the need for active community participation and involvement during the cause of study. He thanks the beneficiaries for their support to the project in ending early marriage.
Other speakers include Raki Dem of Njawra, Kutu Ceesay of Kerewan and Alieu Jaw alkalo of Foday Biram all assured of their support to the research team and whilst Juldeh Bah young girl from Toroba said early marriage affect reproductive health of girls and noted that girl’s education is contributing to reduction of early marriage.
