On November 7th, 2023, the National Commission for Social Action (NaCSA) and the United Nations International Children Emergency Fund (UNICEF) brought together experts from various government ministries, departments, international and national non-governmental organizations, donor agencies, and the private sector to collaborate on designing a Cash Plus Program aimed at preventing child marriage through social protection.
Building upon these initial discussions, NaCSA and UNICEF have reconvened these experts to continue the dialogue on preventing child marriage and teenage pregnancy. The agenda includes reviewing and discussing the proposed integrated (cash+) model, mapping out sub-components and operationalization considerations, revisiting the theory of change, and initiating the development of a Monitoring and Evaluation framework.
Mona Korsgard, Chief of Evidence, Policy, and Social Protection for UNICEF Sierra Leone, highlighted the importance of this initiative, emphasizing the need for a new framework to leverage social protection in addressing teenage pregnancy and early marriage.
Liv Elin Indreiten, UNICEF Deputy Representative (programme) in Sierra Leone, reiterated UNICEF’s commitment to the success of the cash+ initiative, acknowledging the collaboration with implementing partners and the government’s role in developing a social protection strategy. She emphasized the strategy’s life course approach and the importance of national ownership in its development.
Sir Jimmy Batilo Songa, Deputy Commissioner of NaCSA, expressed assurance in the government’s support for advancing women’s rights and child protection. He emphasized the significance of collective action and political will in addressing the multifaceted challenges of teenage pregnancy and early marriage. He called on participants to recognize the gravity of the task and the potential positive impact of collaborative efforts between UNICEF and the Government of Sierra Leone.
In conclusion, he officially opened the meeting on behalf of the President of Sierra Leone, expressing gratitude for participants’ dedication and looking forward to productive discussions and outcomes.
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