Empowering boys to combat child marriage: CSI takes campaign to schools

IN a proactive effort to combat child marriage, the Child Shield Initiative (CSI) recently engaged male students from Government Secondary School (GSS) Kuje in Abuja, Nigeria, in discussions emphasizing their pivotal role in eradicating this detrimental practice.

The initiative underscores the importance of promoting positive masculinity among boys as a crucial strategy in preventing child marriages.

Oluchi Achi Uzodimma, the Team Lead of CSI, who led the sessions, taught the boys about the severe consequences of child marriage and empowered them with strategies to oppose it. The students expressed enthusiasm, sharing their aspirations and acknowledging that early marriage could derail their ambitions and personal development.

Mrs. Yama I. Obofoni, the Assistant Senior Mistress of GSS Kuje, conveyed the school’s gratitude to the CSI team for dedicating time to educate the students on such a critical issue. She emphasised that fostering a culture of respect, responsibility, and empathy, alongside providing positive role models, is essential in educating boys about the detrimental effects of child marriage. This approach empowers them to become allies in preventing this harmful practice.

Uzodimma highlighted that promoting positive masculinity and empowering boys as allies are essential steps toward eradicating child marriage and creating a more equitable society.

Child marriage remains a pressing issue in Nigeria. Despite a decline in national prevalence from 44% to 30%, progress has been uneven, particularly affecting the poorest households, rural areas, and girls with little or no education. Nigeria ranks third globally in the prevalence of child brides, with over 24 million girls married before the age of 18.

The consequences of child marriage are profound. A study by Georgia State University revealed that in 2019 alone, approximately 3,489 girls died from complications related to pregnancy and childbirth due to child marriage. Additionally, nearly 40,000 children under five years of age died from complications such as low birth weight and anemia associated with child marriage.

Economically, the impact is staggering. The same study estimated that child marriage costs Nigeria $10 billion annually, equivalent to 2% of the country’s gross domestic product. This economic burden stems from healthcare costs and lost productivity due to decreased educational attainment among girls who marry early.

Recognising these challenges, stakeholders in Nigeria have committed to ending child marriage by 2030 through collective action and the implementation of additional policies and resources at federal, state, and community levels. This commitment aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 5.3, which targets the elimination of child marriage globally by 2030.

The Child Shield Initiative’s engagement with boys at GSS Kuje represents a critical component of this broader strategy. By involving boys and young men in the conversation and equipping them with the knowledge and tools to advocate against child marriage, CSI is fostering a generation that values and promotes gender equality.

Such initiatives are essential in challenging traditional norms and beliefs that perpetuate child marriage. Community-driven solutions and strategies, like those employed by CSI, are instrumental in creating a supportive environment for girls and ensuring their rights to education, health, and economic opportunities are preserved.

As Nigeria continues its efforts to eradicate child marriage, the involvement of all societal segments, especially boys and young men, will be crucial. Programs like those implemented by the Child Shield Initiative serve as a beacon of hope, demonstrating that change is possible through education, empowerment, and collective action.

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