Women have been urged to reject early and forced child marriage and other harmful traditional practices capable of undermining the rights, well-being and future of the girl child.
The Chairperson of the Plateau State Gender and Equal Opportunities Commission (PLASGEOC), Barr. Olivia Dazyam, gave the charge during the end-of-year meeting of the Mwaghavwul Women Development Association, Jos Branch.
Speaking on the theme, “Ending Child Marriage: A Strategy for Ending Gender-Based Violence in Plateau State,” Dazyam described child marriage as a form of gender-based violence, explaining that girls who are married off before attaining maturity are often unprepared for the physical, emotional and psychological demands of marriage.
She noted that early marriage exposes girls to responsibilities and challenges they may lack the maturity and capacity to manage, with serious implications for their health, personal development and future opportunities.
The PLASGEOC Chairperson identified some of the consequences of child marriage to include financial dependency, limited decision-making power, unequal relationships between spouses, inability to challenge or report abuse, and excessive control over women’s sexuality.
Dazyam stressed that mothers and other female stakeholders have a critical responsibility to protect the rights and interests of the girl child by discouraging early marriage and prioritising their education, personal development and economic empowerment.
She maintained that investing in girls’ education and empowerment offers a more sustainable pathway to securing their future than subjecting them to premature marital responsibilities and the attendant risks.
According to her, the laws in Plateau State recognise 18 years as the minimum marriageable age, urging parents and guardians to respect the legal provision and protect girls from practices that violate their rights.
She also called on parents to equip girls with relevant life skills, noting that an educated and empowered girl child would be better positioned to recognise violations, speak out against abuse and seek help from appropriate authorities.
Dazyam reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to sustained advocacy and interventions aimed at protecting the rights, dignity and welfare of the girl child, describing girls as an important part of society’s future.
In their response, leaders of the Mwaghavwul Women Development Association appreciated the Commission for the awareness initiative and pledged their support and collaboration in tackling harmful practices and other social vices threatening the well-being and future of the girl child.
