Some social activists in Bauchi have advocated proactive policies and programmes to end child marriage practices. They also called for synergy among government agencies, traditional institutions, religious leaders, and communities to protect the rights of the girls.
The activists stated this on Tuesday during a stakeholders’ meeting organised by the Zabin Rayuwa (Choice of Life) project, the Girl Child Value Support Initiative, and the Amplify Change project.
Amina Bala, a participant, decried the spate of child marriage in the state, adding that the practice deprived girls of access to education and exposed them to health risks, abuse and poverty.
Kamal Idris, a journalist, stressed the need for stronger implementation of existing child rights protection laws in the state.
Mr Idris urged the government and local authorities to invest in skills acquisition and empowerment programmes to improve the social and economic well-being of vulnerable girls.
Also, Elizabeth George, a legal practitioner, called for strict enforcement of child protection laws, saying perpetrators of child rights violations should be held accountable.
George underscored the importance of a legal awareness campaign to educate communities on the consequences of child marriage.
Oluwafemi Jacob, creative director for the Choice of Life Project, said the initiative was using storytelling, drama, theatre and podcasts to address harmful cultural norms that encouraged child marriage.
Mr Jacob said the group was training 20 fellows on how to document real-life experiences and advocate against child marriage through creative expression.
On his part, programme manager, Choice of Life, Sadisu Ibrahim, urged stakeholders to remain committed to reducing the prevalence of child marriage in the state.
Mr Ibrahim said the 18-month project seeks to promote the education, protection, and empowerment of girls through community-based advocacy and engagement, support advocacy against child marriage, and promote positive social change.