Coalition advocates education, economic opportunities for girls
By Olasunkanmi Onifade
The National Coalition of Civil Society to End Child Marriage has urged stakeholders to ensure girls have access to education, economic opportunities, and autonomy.
Mr Olorunfemi Olusegun, Co-chair of the FCT Coalition, made this call during a courtesy visit to the Community Leader of Gwarinpa in Abuja on Wednesday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the visit was part of the FCT chapter’s activities marking the “16 Days of Activism” campaign against sexual and gender-based violence.
The “16 Days of Activism” is an annual campaign held from November 25 to December 10 to raise awareness and mobilise action to end violence against women and girls.
Olusegun noted that violence against women occurs across all countries and cultures, affecting millions of women and girls.
He described child marriage as a complex issue requiring a comprehensive approach to prevention and response.
“Young girls need access to quality education and empowerment opportunities to support their families and reduce the likelihood of child marriage.
“Girls without education are more likely to be married off at a young age. Engaging with communities and changing social norms can help prevent child marriage,” he said.
Mrs Chinyere Eyoh, Co-chair of the coalition, stated that the organisation is working across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones on various thematic areas to accelerate efforts to end child marriage.
Eyoh explained that their advocacy and interventions span local, state, and national levels.
She emphasised the importance of collaborating with community leaders including traditional, religious, and peer group leaders to address child marriage and violence against women and girls.
Mrs Patience Aliede, Safeguarding Officer for Girl Child Freedom at the Grassroots, noted that tackling gender-based violence requires a multi-faceted approach.
“This includes not only legal and institutional reforms but also cultural and societal changes to address underlying norms”.
The District Head of Gwarinpa, Malam Umar Bayero, commended the coalition’s efforts and called for more collaboration to empower women and girls.
He noted that there were no recorded cases of child marriage in the community.
Mrs Oluchi Uzodimma, Secretary to the Coalition, assured that women and girls would be supported in pursuing positive opportunities. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq
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