Stakeholders call for stronger measures to end child marriage in Bauchi Measures
By Ahmed Ahmed
Stakeholders in Bauchi State have called for intensified efforts to tackle the persistent challenge of early child marriage, urging government agencies, traditional institutions, religious leaders, and community members to work together to protect the rights of girls and secure their future.
The stakeholders made the call on Tuesday during a quarterly stakeholders’ meeting under the Zabin Rayuwa (Choice of Life) Project, organised by the Girl Child Value Support Initiative with support from Amplify Change.
Speaking at the meeting, Hajiya Amina Bala a representative of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), expressed concern over the increasing cases of child marriage in some communities, noting that the practice deprives girls of education and exposes them to health complications, abuse, and poverty.
Also speaking, Mr Kamal Idris ,Journalists stressed the need for stronger implementation of existing laws and policies protecting children.
He urged government authorities to invest more in skills acquisition and empowerment programmes for vulnerable girls.
Mrs Elizabeth George, a legal practitioner, called for greater enforcement of child protection laws, saying perpetrators of child rights violations must be held accountable.
She added that legal awareness campaigns should be expanded to help communities understand the consequences of child marriage.
Journalists at the meeting pledged to continue using media platforms to amplify advocacy campaigns against child marriage and promote positive social change.
Earlier, the Creative Director of the Choice of Life Project, Mr Oluwafemi Jacob, said the initiative is leveraging storytelling, drama, theatre and podcasting to address harmful cultural norms that encourage child marriage.
According to him, 20 fellows drawn from the 20 local government areas of Bauchi State are being trained to document real-life experiences and advocate against child marriage through creative expression.
The Programme Manager of the project, Mr Sadisu Ibrahim, urged stakeholders to remain committed to changing the narrative and reducing the prevalence of early marriage across the state.
He said the 18-month project aims to promote the education, protection and empowerment of girls through community-driven advocacy and engagement.
