The National Council of Women, in Conference assembled, being concerned that Child Widows are not included, protected or supported under any human rights instruments including CEDAW, the CRC and the Beijing Platform for Action, urges HM Government, The Women and Equalities Committee and the UK Mission to the United Nations to: Establish mandatory birth and marriage registrations, bringing child widows to the forefront of international statistics and discourses. Ensure that reliable and consistent data is collected locally and nationally, analysed and made accessible to the public so that progress can be measured. It is imperative that data disaggregated by marital status and age is gathered to enable targeted protection policies. Empower women and girls through education, skills training and the formation of women’s/widows’ groups, encouraging them to speak up for their rights, transforming mindsets and behaviours. Support child widows to reintegrate in society, whether it be through returning to education, or supporting a young mother to claim her land and custody rights.

Submitted by: NCW Individual Members within the post 18 team