WEBINAR: Addressing Child Marriage in the Occupied Palestinian Territories in times of Increased Uncertainty, Violence, and Displacement - Part I

Child marriage remains a deeply rooted issue in Palestine, affecting thousands of girls—particularly in refugee and conflict-affected communities. Despite efforts to raise the legal age of marriage to 18, weak enforcement, judicial exemptions, and ongoing humanitarian crises continue to undermine progress. The practice is closely linked to poverty, gender inequality, and prolonged instability, which leave families with limited options and push many girls into early marriage as a form of protection. Against this backdrop, a recent webinar brought together experts, practitioners, and community leaders to examine the latest data, legal challenges, and community-based efforts to protect children and promote gender equality.

Held on 22 October 2025, the online session featured compelling insights from key actors working on child protection and gender-based violence prevention across Gaza and the West Bank. Speakers explored how systemic legal gaps, social norms, and conflict dynamics perpetuate child marriage—and how local and international actors are responding through advocacy, education, and community engagement.

Speakers included:

• Abeer Joma’a, Child Protection Officer, UNICEF Palestine

• Sana Asi Yasin, Gender & GBV Programme Officer, UNFPA Palestine

• Amal Syam, Head, Women’s Affairs Center (WAC), Gaza

• Sabreen AbeedAllah, SRH Projects Manager, Palestinian Medical Relief Society (PMRS)

• Gabriela Maria Espinosa, Protection Team Leader, UNRWA Gaza

• Maria Alvarez, Regional Child Protection Technical Lead, UNRWA

Throughout the discussion, panelists underscored the importance of coordinated action—linking legal reform, education access, and GBV prevention—to address child marriage holistically. Despite ongoing challenges, participants highlighted emerging examples of resilience and community-driven change that offer hope for protecting the rights and futures of Palestinian girls.

Part II is available here.

Part III is available here.