UNICEF laments increase in child marriage

Child marriage, as a component of Gender-Based Violence, is said to be a significant challenge to the development of adolescent girls. It has enormous adverse effects on their human rights, education, health (including sexual and reproductive health), and their socio-economic status later in life.

The assertion was contained in a Keynote Address delivered by the Officer in Charge of the Bauchi Field Office of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Clement Adams, at the one-day rally on Human Rights and Gender-Based Violence (Including Child Marriage). This was part of a series of events to mark the 2023 16 Days of Activism in Bauchi State.

The Bauchi State Office of the National Human Rights Commission organised the event in partnership with UNICEF and other stakeholders on Saturday, 9th December 2023, at the Yelwa Area of the Bauchi metropolis.

According to him, the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey – MICS (2021) revealed that patterns of child marriage prevalence remain highest in the North-West and North-East regions of Nigeria.

He added that part of the survey finding is that, in Bauchi State, for instance, the percentage of women married before age 18 is 75.1.

Furthermore, social norms and poverty constitute some of the root causes of child marriage in Nigeria. This is due to the fact that some of the norms are driven by multiple factors such as fear of promiscuity, financial security, cultural and religious beliefs, and even gender inequality.

Clement Adams added that “Nigeria is one of the countries that has committed to ending child marriage within the African Union Commission framework and launched the National Campaign and Strategy to End Child Marriage (2016-2021) on 29 November 2016.”

“As part of the efforts to review this strategy, there are ongoing nationwide consultations to inform the development of a reviewed National Strategy to End Child Marriage in Nigeria (2024-2030),” he added.

UNICEF Bauchi Field Office OIC stated, “The consultations involve key stakeholders from government, civil society, youth, traditional & religious leaders, as well as women groups.”

He said, “Today’s event – this Rally (being organized as part of the yearly 16 days of activism) is one of the efforts to stir up positive and healthy discussion on the subject and to enable the participation and inputs of stakeholders at all levels.”

He opined that “Effectively addressing Gender-Based Violence and, more specifically, Child Marriage, maybe a long journey, but with the commitment of all stakeholders, the journey can be successful.”

“While there is a huge responsibility on the part of the government, it needs to be emphasised that the positive change required begins with every one of us – in our homes, communities, offices, and spaces where human interactions take place,” he stressed.

Clement Adams concluded by saying, “I count on all persons present at this rally to commit to the cause of addressing Gender-Based Violence and, more specifically Child Marriage. This is for the good of the girl child and for society at large. I wish you a fruitful rally, and thank you.”

Members of various Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) participated in the 2km rally around the Yelwa area amidst drumming and singing accompanied by dancing to the admiration of onlookers.