
Among other serious issues affecting the nation, child marriage is one of them; millions of girls in Nigeria are getting married before they reach the age of 18 years. This practice violates human rights, buries opportunities for education, and puts young girls into volatile situations full of violence and health hazards. While efforts against child marriage increase, several misconceptions about the causes and impacts of child marriage persist. Understanding such mistakes is paramount to Nigerian journalists, policymakers, and advocates when they intend to devise workable solutions.
1. Believing Child Marriage Is Only a Rural Problem
One common fallacy is that child marriage occurs only in rural settings. While it is more pronounced in rural settings, the trend is not wholly immune to urban settings. According to UNICEF, child marriage rates in Nigeria stand at 43% in rural and 17% in urban areas. In addressing the issue, there is a great need for an approach that focuses on both urban and rural setups.
2. Ignoring the Role of Poverty in Child Marriage
Some believe child marriage happens due to tradition alone, but poverty is a major driver. Families living in poverty often see marrying off their daughters as a way to reduce financial burdens. Unfortunately, this economic choice leads to a cycle of poverty, as these girls miss out on education and economic opportunities.
3. Overlooking the Impact of Education
Another mistake is underestimating the role of education in preventing child marriage. Research shows that girls who stay in school are less likely to marry early. Education gives them knowledge, confidence, and skills to pursue better futures. When governments and NGOs invest in education for girls, they create pathways to reduce child marriage rates.
4. Assuming Culture Is Unchangeable
People often feel that cultural norms, which support child marriage, cannot be changed. However, cultural behaviors are not static; they do evolve with time. By working along with community leaders and religious groups, the advocates, at times, manage to break harmful beliefs and encourage behavior alternatives that protect children. For instance, some communities in Nigeria have started celebrating girls’ education rather than early marriage.
5. Thinking Child Marriage Is Only a Girls’ Issue
It is easy to frame child marriage as a problem for girls, but that framing shortchanges the broader consequences on families and society. Child marriage has consequences for young mothers’ health, economic development, and intergenerational cycles of poverty. Hence, addressing the issue will contribute to benefits for everyone, not only the girls.
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6. Failing to Address Gender Inequality
Child marriage is deeply tied to gender inequality. Many families prioritize boys’ education and opportunities over girls’. This mindset limits girls’ potential and reinforces harmful practices like early marriage. Tackling child marriage requires addressing the root cause—gender inequality—and creating systems where girls and boys have equal value.
7. Not Prioritizing Legal Enforcement
Some assume that simply passing laws against child marriage is enough. While rules are important, enforcement is often weak. In Nigeria, the Child Rights Act sets 18 as the minimum marriage age, but not all states have adopted or enforced it. Policymakers must ensure laws are implemented and work closely with communities to drive accountability.
Conclusion: Let’s Act Together to End Child Marriage
Addressing child marriage in Nigeria requires a clear understanding, targeted policies, and cultural change. As journalists and policymakers, you have the power to educate and influence communities, breaking down these harmful practices and giving girls a chance to thrive.
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