PUTTING AN END TO CHILD MARRIAGE

The International Day of the Girl Child 2026 was dedicated to raising awareness about the issue of child marriage in Nigeria. According to UNESCO, 30% of girls aged 15 to 19 who should still be in school are currently married. Only 14% of girls from low-class families complete primary school. This child marriage epidemic persists due to the support of those in authority and the poverty faced by 70% of Nigerian families.

Many girls are forced into prostitution, hawking, or becoming house helps for more affluent families. Child marriage perpetuates gender inequality and violates human rights, leading to limited independence and higher dropout rates for young girls. In Nigeria, over half of underage children have husbands 10 or more years older. Early marriage exposes girls to health risks, including complications during pregnancy and childbirth, HIV infections, cervical cancer, and obstetric fistulas.

These girls are also prone to domestic violence and abuse. Child marriage is driven by poverty, cultural traditions, religious pressures, illiteracy, and opposition from influential political figures. It denies girls their right to education, which is crucial for societal progress. The Nigerian government must take action to combat this harmful practice and protect the future of its young girls.