PSGA UIN Jakarta holds webinar on child marriages prevention strategies
Rectorate, UIN News Online – Center for the Study of Gender and Child (PSGA) UIN Jakarta holds webinar entitled “Strategi Memutus Mata Rantai Pernikahan Anak” on Thursday (03/25/2021).
Moderated by Diana Muthiah, this event presents the Rector of UIN Jakarta Amany Lubis and Retno Yaqut Cholil Qoumas (Dharma Wanita Persatuan of the Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs), Maryati Solihah (Commissioner for the Indonesian Child Protection Commission) and Dedi Slamet Riyadi (Head of Religious Affairs Office, Kuningan) as speakers.
The Head of PSGA UIN Jakarta Ulfah Fajarini in her opening speech said that child marriage is a violation of human rights. “Child marriages violates many human rights, including to education, reproductive rights, even for employment. Therefore, this webinar will discuss strategy on the prevention of child marriage, especially in Indonesia,” said Ulfa
Rector of UIN Jakarta Amany Lubis in her presentation said that Covid-19 pandemic has led to a rise in child marriages. Up to 10 million girls will be at risk at becoming child brides due to the pandemic.
“The risk of child marriages increases during this pandemic situation. Economic insecurity, school closures and social security has a major influence over the rising cases,” said Rector Amany.
According to Rector Amany, prevention strategies can be done through dialogue and socialization. Religious leaders can also provide information about the impact of child marriage to the public during their sermons.
“In addition to socialization, we also have to increase the capacity of religious counselors. They must play an optimal role in providing more intensive education to the community,” she said.
Furthermore, Amany also believes that academic community are obliged to provide information on the socio-psychological impact of child marriage to parents and their children.
“UIN Jakarta has even collaborated with the Directorate General of Islamic Community Guidance at the Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs. One of the important points of this collaboration is to increase the capacity building of religious counselors,” she concluded. (usa)