Culled from our Instructional Manuals: S.A.F.E™ for YOU

TIP 74 

“I have big issues with the expressions known as ‘Child Marriage’ and ‘Child Prostitution.’ I strongly believe that the use of the expressions (‘Child Marriage’ and ‘Child Prostitution.’ shields the evil of both practices and gives a sense of legitimacy to the practices.” Taiwo AKINLAMI

 Welcome to our discussion today my dear and precious young ones. Sure you were able to take some time to think about our discussion yesterday about ‘Consensual Sexual Activity’ and you were able to share your findings with trusted friends.

Today, I want to discuss with you another form of Child Sexual Abuse. It is called Child Marriage and I believe you will find it interesting.

Child marriage is forcing children into marriage. It mostly affects girls but there are also few cases boys being forced into marriage too. Here are the shades of child marriage:

• A girl child is forced into marriage with a male adult
• Two children(boy and girl) are forced into marriage
• A boy child is forced into marriage with a female adult

Child marriage is against the best interest of the child because under the law a child does not have the CAPACITY to give CONSENT for marriage.

According to United Nations Population Funds (UNFPA):

• Child marriage is a human rights violation;
• Despite laws against it, the practice remains common, in part because of persistent poverty and gender inequality;
• In developing countries, one in every three girls is married before reaching age 18. One in nine is married under age 15.
• Child marriage threatens girls’ lives and health, and it limits their future prospects.
• Girls pressed into child marriage often become pregnant while still adolescents, increasing the risk of complications in pregnancy or childbirth.
• These complications are a leading cause of death among older adolescents in developing countries.

According to Sections 21 & 22 of the Child’s Rights Act, 2003, a person below the age of 18 years cannot validly contract marriage, and parents or guardians are also prohibited from betrothing or giving their children out in marriage. 

What I have done today is to bring you the facts as they are both from statistics and the law. I do not intend to do much in discussing more than this today. Later in our discussions, I will look into this issue of ‘Child Marriage’ again and link same with another issue called ‘Child Prostitution.’ Please be expectant and excited to learn about these issues. Do have an INSPIRED day.

The THINK Factor

‘Child Marriage’ is today very rampant among the poor and their precious children. If you are from a highly placed or middle class family. Why do you think this matter should concern you? I want you to really think about this. Take time to really reflect and share your thoughts in your S.A.F.E™ 4 YOU Personal Journal.