Child marriage is a deeply entrenched practice that continues to threaten the rights and well-being of girls worldwide. The recent customary marriage between a 63-year-old traditional priest and a 12-year-old girl, Naa Okromo (now Naa Ayemoede), in Ghana, has ignited global outrage and underscored the urgent need to protect the rights of the girl child. This disturbing event highlights the ongoing challenge of child marriage and the critical importance of taking action to safeguard the well-being and future of girls everywhere
The Legal and Ethical Imperative
Despite Ghanaian law setting the minimum age for marriage at 18, in alignment with international conventions such as the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, child marriage remains a prevalent issue. This marriage underscores the necessity of enforcing and strengthening legal protections to prevent such harmful practices.
The Impact on Girls
Child marriage deprives girls of their childhood, education, and future opportunities. It exposes them to the risks of early pregnancy, endangering their health and well-being. Furthermore, it perpetuates cycles of poverty and inequality, limiting the potential of entire communities.
Taking Action to Protect Girls’ Rights
1. Raise Awareness: Share information about the harmful effects of child marriage on girls and communities. Use social media and other platforms to educate others and spark conversations.
2. Support Girls’ Education: Education is key to empowering girls and preventing child marriage. Support initiatives that ensure girls have access to quality education.
3. Advocate for Legal Change: Call on governments to enforce existing laws and enact new legislation to protect girls from child marriage. Support organizations working to end child marriage through legal advocacy.
4. Provide Support for Victims: Ensure that girls who have been affected by child marriage receive the support they need, including access to healthcare, education, and legal assistance.
5. Promote Gender Equality: Challenge harmful gender norms and stereotypes that perpetuate child marriage. Advocate for equal rights and opportunities for girls and women.
Stand Up for Girls’ Rights
The marriage in Ghana serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to protect the rights of the girl child. By taking action to raise awareness, support education, advocate for legal change, provide support for victims, and promote gender equality, we can work together to end child marriage and create a better future for all girls. Together, we can ensure that every girl has the right to a childhood, an education, and a future full of promise and opportunity.
