We might not know the level of damage child marriage can cause until it happens. In a small village of the Northern region of the country lives a girl called Amina (not real name). Amina already had big dreams of becoming a teacher just at the age of 13. But those dreams were cut short when she was married off to a man nearly three times her age.
When she clocked 14, she became a mother and had complications of ‘bladder incontinence’ after child-birth and was treated very badly by her husband who later divorced her. Without education, skills, and support system, her voice and dreams were swallowed by the silence of early motherhood and ill health.
Early marriage, also known as child marriage, refers to any legal or customary union involving a boy or girl below the age of 18. In many cases, it negatively affects the girls, thereby, robbing them of their right to education, health, safety, and development.
In various parts of the world, child marriage is driven by: deep-rooted cultural and religious practices, poverty and economic hardship,
gender inequality and the undervaluing of girls,
fear of pre-marital pregnancy and the pressure to preserve family honor, and lack of access to education or awareness of girls’ rights. The consequences of child marriage are damaging and long-lasting: Physical and emotional health risks from early pregnancy and childbirth as in the case of Amina; disruption of education and loss of economic opportunities; increased vulnerability to domestic violence as demonstrated by Amina’s husband; and high rates of maternal and infant mortality, to mention but a few.
In as much as child marriage could be a deep-rooted cultural and religious practices in some places, the end weighs negatively. Nevertheless, this could be prevented. Prevention can start with collective action: Educate girls and keep them in school; enforce and strengthen laws prohibiting child marriage; empower families through economic support and awareness programs to curtail poverty; engage community and religious leaders in advocacy; promote safe spaces and mentorship for young girls.
Amina’s story is not fiction. Her story is the lived reality of millions of girls across the globe.
Let’s rise to protect the rights of every girl to learn, lead, and live on her terms in which ever way we can. Speak up, support organizations working on girls’ education and protection so that we can give every Amina the chance to become what she dreams of and more.
Grace Ehi Ekainu, Kano State
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