The Coalition of Civil Society Action for Education for All (CSACEFA), a Lagos-based organization, has taken a stand against child marriage and called for increased investment in girls’ education, stronger child protection measures, and coordinated efforts to end the practice in Nigeria. This call was made at the organization’s recent Lagos Education Summit, where participants discussed various strategies to ensure that girls have access to quality education.
According to a report by Vanguard News, CSACEFA emphasized the importance of investing in girls’ education, stating that it is a critical factor in breaking the cycle of poverty and improving societal development. The organization also highlighted the need for stronger child protection measures to protect girls from early marriage, a practice that is still prevalent in many communities across Nigeria.
The call for action comes amid growing concerns about the high rates of child marriage in Nigeria. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, about 23% of Nigerian girls are married before the age of 18, with some as young as 10 years old. This practice not only violates the rights of these girls but also hinders their ability to access quality education and opportunities for personal and economic development.
CSACEFA’s call for increased investment in girls’ education and efforts to end child marriage is a significant step towards promoting gender equality and ensuring that all Nigerian girls have the opportunity to reach their full potential. The organization’s advocacy efforts are particularly important given the government’s commitment to achieving gender parity in education by 2030 as part of the Sustainable Development Goals.
It is unclear whether the government has made any commitments to invest in girls’ education or take measures to end child marriage in response to CSACEFA’s call. The Nigerian government has not yet commented on the issue. However, the organization’s advocacy efforts are expected to continue, as it seeks to create a Nigeria where every girl has the opportunity to receive quality education and live a life free from the bondage of child marriage.
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