For society’s most intractable problems, the most innovative and sustainable solution combines legal reform and community-based initiatives. The Hong Kong Dignity Institute will pursue a second landmark case to establish legislative frameworks combatting Forced Marriage, while training 100 frontline responders who work directly with those at risk.
One success could be construed as luck; however, two successes establish precedent for future litigating and policy, and send a clear message to would-be perpetrators that Forced Marriage is not tolerated. Training responders already trusted by the target community ensures that the critical message reaches those that need it the most- we are changing the system, and there are legal remedies to restore girls’ futures back to their own hands
To achieve the ambitious goal of changing Hong Kong’s Forced Marriage landscape, we require funding to bring forward a robust legal case and empower community leaders and supporters to join the ongoing fight. By coupling legislative change with grassroots mobilisation, the HKDI can achieve sustainable impact, affecting thousands while making vital support accessible.
