The African Women Lawyers Association, AWLA, Enugu State Branch, today took its advocacy to Lady Ibiam Girls Secondary School, Enugu, with a strong message: End Child Marriage, Invest in the Girl Child, in commemoration of the International Day of the Girl Child.
The AWLA team, led by its State Coordinator, Ngozi Enyosiobi-Abafor, Esq., alongside members of her executive and other members of the Association, sensitized hundreds of students on their rights and the full weight of the law against child marriage.
Coordinator Enyosiobi-Abafor declared that child marriage is illegal, void, and punishable under Nigerian law.
Citing extensive legal authorities, she stated:
The 1999 Constitution (as amended), Section 17(3)(f) mandating protection of children against exploitation, and Section 34 on the dignity of the human person.
The Child’s Rights Act 2003 and Enugu State Child’s Rights Law 2016, Section 21, which prohibits child marriage and betrothal; Section 23, which provides for a N500,000 fine or 5 years imprisonment; Section 31, which prescribes life imprisonment for sexual intercourse with a child; and Section 30, which prohibits the sale of children.
The Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act 2015, Section 45, against harmful traditional practices.
The Criminal Code Act, Sections 218 and 221 on defilement.
And international laws: Article 21 of the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, Article 6(b) of the Maputo Protocol setting 18 years as the minimum marriage age, Articles 19, 28, and 34 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, Article 16 of CEDAW, and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
“The law is settled. A child is anyone below 18 years. Any marriage with a child is void. Our approach is prevention through education and enforcement through due process,” she told the students.
She warned of the dangers of child marriage, including VVF, maternal death, school dropout, poverty, and domestic violence.
She called for urgent investment in girls through free quality education, digital skills, menstrual health support, and legal literacy, describing it as the smartest economic decision for Enugu State and Nigeria.
The students were also educated on how to report threats of forced marriage and abuse through teachers, parents, the Ministry of Gender Affairs, and the AWLA pro bono desk.
Other AWLA members took turns mentoring the girls on career growth, personal hygiene, and self-confidence.
The school management commended AWLA Enugu for choosing Lady Ibiam and for its sustained defense of women and children.
AWLA reaffirmed its commitment to free legal clinics, school outreaches, and partnership with the Enugu State Government to keep every girl safe, educated, and empowered.
I.E. Erondu Esq.
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