Tahirih’s Forced Marriage Initiative (FMI) is seeking a passionate, engaged, and energetic individual to amplify our public policy team’s capacity. Public policy advocacy is an integral and fast-growing element of Tahirih’s mission, locally and nationally, as we work to transform the policies and practices that directly impact the women and girls that Tahirih serves.

Tahirih’s campaign to end child marriage in America is rapidly building momentum. Tahirih spearheaded the passage of a groundbreaking new law that made Virginia in 2016 the first state in the nation to limit marriage to legal adults (18 or older, or court-emancipated minors). Since then, Tahirih has driven or advised legislative reform efforts across dozens of states, and 35 states have enacted new laws. In 2024 our efforts at the federal level resulted in Congress’s introduction of the Child Marriage Prevention Act.  Our efforts include not only pressing to change the state laws that allow child marriage, but also raising awareness among the public and policymakers about the overlap between forced and child marriage and about the risks and harms of marrying young, even if by choice. Expert resources that Tahirih has prepared to guide stakeholders include a 50-state comparative report on minimum marriage ages and exceptions and how they can leave children vulnerable to forced marriages and then trap them in abuse. Visit tahirih.org/childmarriagepolicy to learn more.

Responsibilities

The Public Policy Intern would support the work of this specific campaign to end child marriage at the state and federal level, as well as Tahirih’s work more generally to develop legal and policy proposals at the state and federal level to prevent forced marriage and to communicate with external audiences about our advocacy and its impacts. The 2025 Spring Intern will monitor and report on developments across multiple states during their legislative sessions, gathering data to analyze the impact of reforms, and updating and creating content for the Forced Marriage Initiative’s website and newsletter.
Additional responsibilities may include research and memo-writing, preparing drafts of general and state-specific backgrounders, developing talking points for media interviews or presentations, or assisting with outreach to legislators and mobilization of coalition allies. The exact nature of the work that the intern would perform, and the level of responsibility the intern would be given, will reflect the team’s shifting needs based on changing legislative activity, as well as the level of education and experience of the intern.

• High school diploma or equivalent. Enrollment in a relevant undergraduate or graduate program is preferred, but not required.
• Cultural humility, and a strong commitment to equity.
• Basic understanding of the dynamics of domestic violence, sexual violence, or other forms of gender-based violence.
• Comfort in a collaborative, consultative environment and with nonpartisan policy work.
• Excellent research and analytical skills, and a sharp attention to detail.
• Resilience, and experience managing vicarious trauma through self-care.
• A strong work ethic, including the ability to work independently as well as the discernment to seek further guidance as needed.
• Familiarity with the legislative process preferred, but not required.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Suite, Wordpress, and/or Canva preferred, but not required.

Submissions: Please include a cover letter, resume, and a list of three references.

Compensation: Tahirih pays interns a $5000 stipend for completing 300 hours over the course of the semester (prorated to the number of hours completed). Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States. This position requires a time commitment between 10-20 hours per week.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Tahirih Justice Center is committed to equal opportunity and promotes equity and transparency as core values. Tahirih practices inclusiveness in decision making through the use of consultation with employees throughout the organization. Tahirih does not discriminate against any person on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, ability, gender, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, arrest record or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. Applicants committed to equity from all backgrounds, experiences, abilities and identities are encouraged to apply