By Idayat Sanni
Child marriage remains one of the most pressing human rights issues in Nigeria, affecting millions of girls across the country.
Despite national and international efforts to curb the practice, Nigeria ranks among the countries with the highest number of child brides globally.
However, a recent outrage by women across different parts of Nigeria has taken the internet by storm. Protesters have taken to schools and streets to demand the end to child marriage in Nigeria and Africa as a whole.
Placards with messages like, ‘A child is not a bride!’ have flooded the internet and more feminists in the country are demanding for the end of this harmful practice.
Child marriages are often occasioned by poverty, lack of education and even more, cultural traditions. They are more common in the female gender, regardless of the dangers this practice poses.
The Child’s Right Act of 2003 provides that no marriage shall be contracted between any individuals below the age of 18 in Nigeria. This proves that the fight against child marriage is against the common orthodox traditions in our very own society. Protesters are requesting a change and aiming for more education in the community.
International organizations and NGOs are also working towards raising awareness, enforcing laws, and empowering girls through education and economic opportunities.
