Within the framework of the European Union-funded project “Ending Gender-Based Violence: Towards Standardisation and Strengthening of Services and Direct Response,” ABAAD, in partnership with UNICEF, produced “Marriage is Not a Game,” an animation video highlighting the risks associated with early marriage. During the preparatory phase, ABAAD collaborated with UNICEF to develop key messages for the animation video. Once ABAAD produced an initial draft of the video, UNICEF conducted field testing and focus group discussions in Bekaa and T5. Based on suggestions from the field, the script and visuals were modified, and the video was finalised. This was coupled with a complementary brochure carrying the key messages featured in the video.

Marking the end of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender Violence 2014 Campaign, ABAAD, in collaboration with UNICEF, organised a launching ceremony, where the issue of child marriage was addressed by the speeches of Ambassador Angelina Eichhorst, Head of the European Union Delegation to the Republic of Lebanon’s representative, Ms. Annamaria Laurini, UNICEF Representative in Lebanon, and Ms. Ghida Anani, ABAAD Founder and Director. The event attended by over 170 representatives of UN agencies, local and international NGOs, civil society activists, and the media. Following the introductory words and the screening of the video, the floor was opened for members of the audience to pose questions and discuss the issue of early and forced child marriage.