What Happens When a Girl is Forced into Marriage?

What happens when a girl-child is forced into marriage- when her childhood is violently taken away and she is thrust into a phase of emergency motherhood? Hon. Funmilayo Tejuosho of the Lagos State House of Assembly says the consequences are grave on both the family and society.

“A child is a child, be it male or female and should not be subjected to the trauma of child marriage because the consequences of child marriage are not only devastating on the child but also on the society.” 

Speaking recently at a seminar on Protecting the Rights of the Nigerian Child, at the Lagos Television premises, Ikeja, the lawmaker stressed that “A child is a boy or girl at any age between infancy and adolescence; not fully an adult. Our constitution defines the age of maturity at 18. Marriage is for a man and woman becoming legally. A child cannot get into marriage because he/she thinks and acts like a child. A child does not have the capacity to consent or for a contractual agreement”.

The lawmaker further enumerated-

·        High risk of death
·        Increased maternal and infant mortality
·        Huge health risks
·        Domestic violence
·        Risk of HIV/AIDS
·        Sexual abuse
·        Deprivation of their childhood
·        Burden of motherhood and home care

In addition, she noted that “There are also negative and devastating consequences on the society, which bothers on the fact that -

·        Child marriage does not allow the child to get education
·        The income available to such will be little
·        There are risky health consequences
·        There is isolation and depression
·        There is low self esteem

In her capacity as a respected lawyer, Tejuosho identified some of the reasons for child marriage as poverty, lack of education, insecurity, forced  customs and tradition as well as war and conflict, she however stressed that child marriage is not permitted by law or religion.
Her words, “It is negative, it is a violation of children’s rights and destroys efforts for national development. It also undermines global efforts towards education and promotes violence against children. In fact, it is rooted in tradition more than religion.”

Corroborating this, the Director, Office of the Public Defender, OPD, Barrister Omotola Rotimi assured that Lagos State government has made provision for every girl to defend herself, especially in cases of abuse. While giving out the helpline numbers to the children, she stressed that “in any situation, the interest of the child is always paramount. So, speak out and seek help.”

Also speaking on the subject was Life Coach and Relationship Specialist Mr. Praise Fowowe. While focusing on the subject of Protecting All Children’s Rights, he noted that “nations and communities can never step into innovation until they overcome chaos and conflict.

“The cost of conflict in Africa is the sacrifice of our future inventors and global heroes. One way this is done is through domestic conflict which results in divorce and breeds dysfunctional children, said Fowowe.

While describing a child as a disguised King or Queen, he stressed the “need to nurture and groom these future leaders aright”. To do this, Fowowe makes the following recommendations-
·        Promote humanity, not religion or culture
·        See every child as a global hero and accord him/her that honour.
·        Demand and create a world that is habitable for the child’s development
·        Free the African child to dream.

He also charged the children to take responsibility for their lives and development, regardless of their background and present difficulties. He charged them not to allow parents, guardian or society treat them as pushovers or bargaining tools to amaze wealth but to defend their rights to life, education and empowerment.