The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has decried the increase in child marriage as a component of gender based violence, saying that it is
said to be a huge challenge to the development of adolescent girls, as it has enormous adverse effects on their human rights, education, health to include sexual and reproductive health and their socio-economic status later in life.
The Officer in Charge of the Bauchi Field Office of United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Clement Adams stated this at the one day rally on Human Rights and Gender Based Violence (Including Child Marriage), as part of series of events to mark 2023 16 Days of Activism in Bauchi State.
The event was organized by the Bauchi State Office of the National Human Rights Commission in partnership with UNICEF and other Stakeholders on Saturday, 9th of December, 2023 at the Yelwa Area of Bauchi metropolis.
According to him, the Multile Indicator Cluster Survey – MICS (2021) revealed that patterns of child marriage prevalence remain highest in the North-West and North-East subregions of Nigeria.
He noted 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 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”
“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 said
UNICEF Bauchi Field Office OIC also stated that the consultations involve key stakeholders from Government, Civil Society, Youths, traditional & religious leaders as well as Women groups.
“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.”
“Effectively addressing Gender Based Violence and more specifically, Child Marriage, may be 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 government, it needs to be emphasized also, that the positive change required begins with everyone of us – in our homes, communities, offices and in spaces where human interactions take place,”
“Over the years, notable progress has undoubtedly been made in Bauchi State in this regard. But still, there is a very critical need to continue to intensify all efforts to push forward in advancing wholistic development, including the effective handling of all issues revolving around children.”
“I count on all persons present at this rally to commit to the cause of addressing Gender Based Violence and more speficically 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” he stressed
Members of the various Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) participated in the 2km rally around Yelwa area amidst drumming and singing accompanied with dancing to the admiration of onlookers.
