Here’s what Unchained accomplished in 2016, under the leadership of founder/executive director Fraidy Reiss:
~ By year’s end, Unchained has helped or is helping more than 270 women and girls.
~ Fraidy is featured in the New York Daily News, on PBS NewsHour and Al Jazeera America, and by many other television, radio and print news outlets.
~ The bill Unchained helped to write to end child marriage advances in New Jersey, passing in the Assembly with not a single “no” vote – thanks to Unchained’s tireless advocacy. (The bills in New York and Maryland do not get enough support, and they die.)
~ Some 35 attorneys attend Unchained’s annual CLE course on family law, presented in partnership with Rutgers Institute for Professional Education. The course is free for attorneys who commit to representing an Unchained client pro bono.
~ More than 10,000 emails are sent as part of Unchained’s email campaign to legislators and governors, urging them to end child marriage.
~ Unchained hosts a Chain-In in Newark. Some 35 people wear bridal gowns and veils, chain their arms and tape their mouths to protest forced and child marriage.
~ Unchained hires its second staffer, a part-time Social Worker, and moves into a professional office (and out of the executive director’s home).
~ Fraidy is invited to speak about child marriage at a United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW60) side event.
~ Fraidy is nominated for the prestigious DVF People’s Voice Award.