Social Norms as the Primary Factor in Child Marriage in Nigeria
The National Coalition of Civil Society to End Child Marriage in Nigeria has raised an urgent alarm regarding the role of social norms as the main driver of child marriage in the nation. This concern was articulated during a recent media engagement held in partnership with Girls Not Brides, a global initiative aimed at eradicating child marriage.
Kolawole Olatosimi, the coalition’s National Co-chair, addressed attendees in Abuja, pointing out that while issues like poverty and lack of education play a role, it is the entrenched social norms that predominantly fuel this troubling practice. He highlighted how deeply rooted societal beliefs continue to perpetuate the tradition of marrying off girls at a young age.
“Social norms transcend socioeconomic status; they affect both the wealthy and the underprivileged,” Olatosimi remarked. He stressed that these cultural beliefs that normalize child marriage persist irrespective of one’s educational background or financial situation, illustrating how pervasive and ingrained this issue is in Nigeria’s cultural landscape.
Olatosimi emphasized that transforming these harmful norms requires concerted efforts, particularly through the promotion of positive social practices. He underscored the media’s essential role in influencing mindsets and behaviors that uphold child marriage. “We must advocate for constructive social practices,” he stated, calling for deliberate policies aimed at eliminating child marriage.
Despite the progress made in establishing legal frameworks and policies to combat child marriage, Olatosimi cautioned that the real challenge lies in enforcing these laws. He noted that the key issue is not the absence of legislation but rather the need for stronger implementation of existing laws.
“We don’t need additional laws if we can effectively advocate for the enforcement of those already in place,” he asserted. He further explained that merely relying on legal solutions is inadequate in addressing the root causes of child marriage. “Changing social norms is essential; without that shift, the problem will persist. Child marriage has no place in our society, and we need to build a critical mass to challenge this issue.”
