Kano Residents Seek End to Child Marriage, Education for Girls

Residents of Kano have called for an end to child marriage, wider access to education and stronger protection for girls, saying these steps are needed to secure girls' rights and future.

 

The day is observed every year on Oct. 11 to promote girls' rights, education and leadership, and to protect them from discrimination and violence. This year's theme, "End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls' Rights," draws attention to the need for sustained action to protect girls and widen their opportunities.

 

Mrs Rabi Abdul said parents should be sensitised to the dangers of marrying off their daughters "before they are physically and emotionally mature."

 

She said poverty and cultural beliefs should not be allowed to deny girls an education or the chance to fulfil their potential.

 

Rabi Abdul urged the government to step up the provision of scholarships, school materials and financial support for vulnerable families so that girls can stay in school.

 

According to her, parents and community leaders must put the welfare of girls first by allowing them to complete their education and make informed decisions about their future.

 

Mrs Khadija Musa said ending child marriage would take a combination of public awareness, enforcement of the relevant laws and support for families facing economic hardship.

 

She said the government should improve access to quality education, provide safe learning environments and ensure that girls are protected from abuse and discrimination.

 

Musa called on traditional and religious leaders to teach their communities the importance of educating girls rather than marrying them off early.

 

She added that girls should be encouraged to develop their talents and pursue their ambitions without unnecessary restrictions.

 

Mr Naziru Ahmed said parents should recognise that early marriage could cut short a girl's education and limit her chances of personal and economic development.

 

He urged the government to strengthen programmes that keep girls in school, including financial assistance for disadvantaged families and measures to prevent sexual harassment and other forms of violence.

 

Ahmed also called for closer collaboration among schools, families, community leaders and relevant agencies to identify and protect girls at risk of early marriage.

 

According to him, girls should be given the opportunity to acquire education and skills that will enable them to contribute meaningfully to society.

 

 

Mr Bello Abdul said protecting the girl child requires a change in the attitudes that encourage early marriage and deny girls equal opportunities.

 

He urged parents to support their daughters' education and ambitions, stressing that girls deserve the same encouragement to succeed as boys.

 

Bello Abdul called on the government to enforce laws protecting children, expand educational opportunities and set up effective channels for reporting abuse and harmful practices.

 

He also appealed to community leaders to speak out against child marriage and work with parents to ensure that girls are protected and allowed to achieve their dreams