In a significant step towards fighting the menace of child marriage in Nigeria, more than 20 adolescent girls have been rescued from early marriages in Sokoto State over the last two months. This was made possible through the partnership between the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the Eleva Foundation, which have been working to protect vulnerable children in the region.
The rescue operation is part of the Almajiri and Out-of-School Adolescent Girls Project, an initiative that has been actively addressing the issue of child marriage in Sokoto, especially in local government areas (LGAs) where early marriages are common. According to Nenman Calvin, a counselor with the Child Friendly Space Centre in Dange Shuni Local Government Area, these efforts have directly impacted over 20 girls in just two months.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Calvin explained that the project aims to provide education to girls who are at risk of being married off at a young age. Many of these girls, some as young as 13 years old, were facing pressure from their families to enter into early marriages. Through the intervention, the girls have been given the opportunity to remain in school and pursue their dreams.
“We are addressing at least five to ten cases of child marriage every month, with the majority of these girls aged between 13 and 15 years,” Calvin said. She added that many of these girls have expressed their desire to return to school to become nurses, so they could help other girls in their communities escape the harmful effects of early marriage.
The initiative has not only focused on rescuing the girls but has also worked closely with their families, especially parents, to encourage them to allow their daughters to continue their education. Calvin stressed the importance of government support, particularly in terms of financial aid, to ensure that these girls can receive a proper education.
Pius Uwamanua, a UNICEF Child Protection Specialist based in Sokoto, further explained the objectives of the initiative. He highlighted the centre’s role in providing a comprehensive support system for the girls, including mentorship, life skills training, and vocational programs such as knitting, cosmetology, tailoring, and shoe-making. These programs are designed to provide the girls with skills that will not only help them become independent but also empower them to become leaders and change agents in their communities.
“The initiative has created a space where children can build trust, receive psychosocial support, and access essential services, such as legal aid and education,” Uwamanua said. “It’s a multi-sectoral approach that includes vocational, digital, and mentorship training to equip the girls with the skills they need to succeed in life.”
One of the rescued girls shared her story of how the program helped her avoid an early marriage. “My parents had already pressured me into an early marriage, but I was able to escape that fate with the help of a friend who introduced me to the centre,” she said. “The mentorship sessions here have been life-changing. I was able to convince my mother of the dangers of early marriage and, thankfully, she spoke to my father, and they decided to stop the marriage plans for me and my sister. Now, we are both learning here, and I will tell other girls in my community about the dangers of early marriage.”
The issue of early marriage is widespread in many parts of northern Nigeria, with girls often married off at an age when they are not emotionally or physically ready for such a commitment. According to a 2019 report by the United Nations, Nigeria has one of the highest rates of child marriage in the world, with 43% of girls married before the age of 18. In Sokoto State, where the practice is particularly prevalent, the situation has been compounded by poverty, cultural norms, and a lack of access to education.
To address this, the Child Friendly Space Centre in Sokoto has become a beacon of hope for many young girls. The centre is not just a place for education; it also provides a safe environment where the girls can share their experiences, build self-confidence, and learn about their rights. The centre’s work has proven to be critical in the fight against child marriage and other forms of gender-based violence in the state.
Alhaji Muhammad Jabbi, the District Head of Gagi Area in Sokoto South Local Government Area, commended the efforts of UNICEF and the Eleva Foundation for their continued support in addressing the issue of out-of-school children. He called on the Sokoto State Government to take full ownership of the initiative and ensure that it reaches even more vulnerable children across the state.
“The government needs to fully take charge of this initiative and expand its reach to benefit more children,” Jabbi said. “With the support of UNICEF and other partners, Sokoto State can significantly reduce the number of out-of-school children and improve the educational outcomes for many young girls.”
Jabbi’s call for increased government involvement highlights a critical need for long-term solutions to address the problem of child marriage and ensure that every child has access to quality education. While progress has been made, much work remains to be done, especially in remote communities where girls are still being married off at a young age.
In Sokoto, a state that has been historically plagued by high rates of child marriage, the recent efforts to rescue over 20 girls are a glimmer of hope. However, the challenge is far from over. As long as early marriage continues to be seen as an acceptable practice in many communities, initiatives like the Almajiri and Out-of-School Adolescent Girls Project will remain vital in protecting young girls and providing them with the opportunity to lead fulfilling, independent lives.
The ongoing collaboration between UNICEF, the Eleva Foundation, and local communities in Sokoto is a step in the right direction. But it is clear that more needs to be done, particularly through increased government support and widespread awareness campaigns, to tackle the root causes of child marriage and ensure that every girl has the chance to achieve her full potential.
As the fight against child marriage continues, these rescued girls stand as a testament to the power of education, mentorship, and collective action. Their success stories are a reminder that change is possible, but it requires concerted efforts from all sectors of society.
