Social Intiative

The Battle against Child Marriage

One in every 4 adolescent girls in Africa are being pushed into childhood marriages. This interrupts their education, robs them off their childhood and subjects them to the life of an adult at a very young age.  In Africa, the rates of child marriages are the highest in the world. Not only are the numbers alarming, but the effects of child marriages on girls, their health, their families, communities and the entire nation are tragic. 

Child marriage is a pervading problem- one that destroys the lives of many girls who are subjected to early pregnancy, health risks, domestic violence and social isolation. As a violation of basic human rights, child marriages also affect other fundamental rights such as the right to education, expression and the right to be protected from abuse. 

The reasons for child marriages are entrenched social and cultural practices and extreme poverty. Women are not valued the same way as men in African societies. This is the reason why access to education is difficult. Women are perceived as a “burden”, hence, the decision of many families to marry off their young daughters for dowries. 

The Power of Education

Education and empowerment are inextricably linked. Through education and focusing on their human rights, we can change the lives of these young girls. It is through education that we can empower girls to have control over their lives, by giving them a chance to claim their rights and by improving their social standing. 

Girls who are educated are less likely to be subjected to child marriages. As a powerful tool, education can change the lives of girls tremendously. The benefits of education are remarkable. It can make them live their lives better, can lower maternal mortality and lower birth rates. It can also make them eligible for jobs which can make them a valuable member of their family and community.

What We Do and How You Can Help Too

My platform is to create education campaigns to help girls attend higher education and have a successful life- a life of their own choosing. I want young African girls to have a choice, and through my platform, I want to give girls, including girls who are already married, the opportunity to  have higher education and explore options such as flexible schooling, which enables girls to work while attending school. 

Education can be an avenue for change for girls and for their communities. I believe that girls deserve the right to feel safe and valued in their communities. Education can give girls the most precious gift- the chance to dream and create their own future.

If you are interested in partnering with us and would like to share your time and resources, or simply just inspire others, do give us an email. hello@ebvory.com