• Legislation should direct appropriate bodies to develop multi-agency strategies that provide for public information campaigns aimed at educating women and girls about their rights, the law and the prevention of forced marriage. (See: Forced Marriage in Council of Europe Member States, Council of Europe, 2005, p. 58) Public education campaigns should focus on educating parents and other community members about the negative physical, emotional, psychological, intellectual and sexual implications of forced and child marriage on women and girls. Public information should particularly target rural, marginalized and immigrant women, who may be at greater risk for forced and child marriage.

• Outreach should target and engage religious and community leaders to increase their awareness. Public education programs should encourage them to emphasize to their communities that marriage requires the free and full consent of both parties. It is essential that religious and traditional leaders understand domestic laws related to forced marriage and how the practice of forced marriage violates women and girls’ human rights.

(See: Implementation of Laws on Violence against Women and Girls)