{
  "id": 14768158,
  "title": "UCC sociologist calls for action on gender inequality to end child marriage",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/15/ucc-sociologist-calls-for-action-on-gender-inequality-to-end-child",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-15T18:57:17.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
    "slug": "myjoyonline-ghana",
    "url": "https://www.myjoyonline.com/ucc-sociologist-calls-for-action-on-gender-inequality-to-end-child-marriage/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Prof. Georgina Yaa Oduro, Head of the Department of Anthropology and Sociology at the University of Cape Coast (UCC), has urged action to combat gender inequality, emphasizing its link to child marriage and its impact on girls' education and future opportunities. At a 2026 International Day of the Girl Child event in Ekon, Central Region, she highlighted that child marriage disproportionately affects girls, with boys rarely being subjected to the same practice. Prof. Oduro cautioned against attributing child marriage to poverty and vulnerability, arguing that it could exacerbate deprivation across generations, especially when girls are prevented from completing their education. She stressed that education is crucial in breaking the cycle, as it imparts knowledge and skills that can enhance girls' prospects, including in entrepreneurship. The celebration, themed \"End Child Marriage and Invest in the Rights of Girls,\" addressed the issue of informal unions, where girls cohabit with financially stable men and boys. Priscilla Cristabel Eshun, Central Regional Girl Child Coordinator, warned that child marriage extends beyond formal ceremonies to include such informal arrangements. She called for collaboration among parents, traditional authorities, and other stakeholders to prevent early unions that disrupt girls' education. Dr. Juliette Dufie Otami, Central Regional Director of Education, urged traditional authorities to enforce community bylaws aimed at ending child marriage and safeguarding girls. She highlighted Ekon's selection for hosting the event due to its high incidence of teenage motherhood and low learning outcomes. Dr. Otami emphasized the need for community involvement and collaboration rather than blame, urging parents to encourage their daughters to stay in school. She also called on chiefs, elders, religious leaders, and boys to challenge harmful practices, with teachers, especially male educators, playing a role as protectors and mentors.",
  "summary": "The Head of the Department of Anthropology and Sociology at the University of Cape Coast (UCC), Prof. Georgina Yaa Oduro, has called for action to address gender inequality, warning that it exposes girls to child marriage and threatens their education and prospects. Speaking at an event to mark the 2026 International Day of the Girl […]",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}