Dominican government, KOICA and UNICEF present results of program to prevent early unions
Santo Domingo.- The Dominican government, together with the Korea International Cooperation Agency and UNICEF, presented the results of the project “Changing Gender Norms for the Prevention of Violence and Early Unions,” a nationwide initiative implemented between 2022 and 2025 to reduce child marriage, teenage pregnancy, and gender-based violence.
The program, carried out with an investment of more than US$4.5 million, was developed through institutions belonging to the Cabinet for Children and Adolescents (GANA), including the Ministries of Education and Women, CONANI, and Supérate, with coordination from the Ministry of the Presidency.
The initiative was implemented in Santo Domingo, Santiago, San Cristóbal, Higüey, and Barahona, focusing on empowering girls and adolescents, strengthening school-based prevention, promoting behavioral change, and improving protection systems against violence.
Authorities highlighted that the project evolved from a direct intervention model into one integrated into public institutions, allowing its continuation and potential expansion nationwide.
Among the main results, more than 10,000 girls and adolescents participated in empowerment and life-skills programs through Girls’ Clubs, while over 190,000 teenagers took part in school prevention initiatives related to early unions and gender violence. In addition, more than 5,000 teachers received training to support adolescents on these issues, and over one million parents and community leaders were reached through awareness campaigns and community outreach efforts.
The program also engaged more than 51,000 men and boys in initiatives promoting positive masculinity and gender equality. Additionally, more than 1,300 public officials were trained in child protection, interinstitutional coordination, and prevention strategies.
Officials said the project directly supported the implementation of the national Policy for the Prevention and Care of Early Unions and Adolescent Pregnancy, as well as efforts following the approval of Law 1-21, which banned child marriage in the Dominican Republic.
During the presentation, KOICA Country Director Sook Jin Byun emphasized that changing social norms requires sustained long-term work, while UNICEF Representative Carlos Carrera described the initiative as proof that collaboration between the government, communities, and international partners can improve opportunities for girls and adolescents.
Authorities stated that the project lays the groundwork for accelerating progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly the elimination of harmful practices such as early unions by 2030, while stressing the need to continue expanding prevention and protection programs nationwide.
