International Day of Girl-Child: WINET chides community still practicing forced marriage

BY: Sandra Ani

Communities that still practice girl-child and forced marriages have been advised to end such practices as they are not in the best interest of the female child.

They were advised to ensure that the girl-child stays in school to acquire education that will enable her to contribute more meaningfully to national development.

The Executive Director of Women Information Network (WINET), Mrs. Miriam Menkiti who made these remarks on the occasion of International Day of the Girl-Child in Enugu said that child marriage is now being recognized as a challenge both as violation of human rights and a set -back on developmental efforts.

She said that the girl-child should be given every support to attain the highest standard of education of that she so desires.

Mrs. Menkiti recalled that in November 2016, the Federal Government launched a national campaign to end child marriage in line with the Africa Union Campaign, but regrets that it seems not to be making the desired impact.

She said that the Enugu State Child’s Rights law 2016 that prohibits girl-child marriage and betrothal and should be implemented so as to protect the girl child from being forced into marriage.

According to her, the celebration of International Day of the girl Child offers an opportunity for the nation, state governments and communities across the country to embark on programmes to empower the girl-child and create opportunities for her in the society.

Since 2012, 11^th October every year has been marked as International Day of the Girl Child. The day aims to highlight and address the needs and challenges girls face, while promoting girl’s empowerment and the fulfillment of their human rights. The theme for the 2019 celebration is “Empowering Girls for a Brighter Tomorrow”.