A proposed mass wedding for dozens of women and girls in Nigeria has caused a heated debate about child marriage and female education. The ceremony, sponsored by the state, has drawn criticism from rights advocates and raised questions about Nigeria’s commitment to equality.
The Nigerian women’s minister, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, is leading the campaign to halt the proposed mass wedding of orphaned girls. She filed a court injunction to prevent it, citing violations of Nigeria’s Child Rights Acts and the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act, which criminalize forced marriages for women and girls.
Many of the girls assigned for marriage are believed to be underage, and this has raised alarms. The wedding came to light when Abdulmalik Sarkindaj, speaker of the state assembly in Niger (a Muslim-majority state), announced plans to sponsor the ceremony and cover the dowries. Read more
While some Muslim clerics defended marriage as a charitable act for orphans, some human and child rights activists argue that it contradicts Nigeria’s commitment to protect children and women’s rights.
The speaker later withdrew his offer to proceed with the ceremony due to petitions from rights groups. However, uncertainty remains about whether the wedding will proceed with another sponsor, as local Muslim clerics have vowed to defy the minister.
Nigeria’s Child Rights Act sets the minimum marriage age at 18. However, in northern states, younger girls often wed before turning 18.
Cultural practices play a significant role in pushing girls into early marriages. Parents in some northern states marry off daughters once they menstruate or reach puberty.
High poverty rates force families to marry off girls to pay debts or generate income. Advocates like Nerida Nthamburi from GirlsNotBride emphasize that laws alone are insufficient. They call for government collaboration with traditional and community leaders to address early marriage.
Investing in programs that keep girls in school is crucial. Education serves as the best remedy for forced marriage. Empowering families economically reduces the likelihood of selling off girls and enables them to afford education for their children.
The mass wedding controversy in Nigeria points to the need for a balanced approach to protect girls’ rights. While legal frameworks matter, addressing cultural norms and poverty is equally essential. By investing in education, Nigeria can create a brighter future for its young girls and women.
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