The report highlights community efforts to combat Child, Early, and Forced Marriage (CEFM) in Nigeria, focusing on Jigawa and Cross River states. It covers 12 communities across 6 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in these regions, facing challenges such as poverty, cultural practices, and lack of education, which drive CEFM. The study used both qualitative and quantitative methods, including surveys, interviews, and focus groups, to assess the prevalence, causes, and impact of CEFM.
Key findings indicate strong awareness of the negative effects of CEFM, with most respondents agreeing that poverty and lack of education are major contributors. The Centre for Women Studies and Intervention (CWSI) was identified as the primary organization combating CEFM in both states. In Cross River State, 94% of respondents viewed CWSI’s efforts as highly effective.
The report emphasizes the need for community-based awareness campaigns, strengthening education initiatives, empowering girls, engaging religious and traditional leaders, legal reforms, and support for victims. The study concludes that addressing the root causes of CEFM, such as poverty and gender inequality, can create safer environments for children and promote gender equality.
Key recommendations include:
These strategies aim to inform interventions, promote education, and drive policy changes to protect children from the harmful effects of early marriage.
Ogabiela, D., , C , , P & Africa, J (2024). RESEARCH ON THE COMMUNITY ACTION TO END CHILD, EARLY, AND FORCED MARRIAGE OTHER HARMFUL PRACTICES AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS PROJECT (CAECEFM) IN CROSS RIVER AND JIGAWA STATE. Afribary. Retrieved from https://tracking.afribary.com/works/research-on-the-community-action-to-end-child-early-and-forced-marriage-other-harmful-practices-against-women-and-girls-project-caecefm-in-cross-river-and-jigawa-state
Ogabiela, Daniel, et. al. "RESEARCH ON THE COMMUNITY ACTION TO END CHILD, EARLY, AND FORCED MARRIAGE OTHER HARMFUL PRACTICES AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS PROJECT (CAECEFM) IN CROSS RIVER AND JIGAWA STATE" Afribary. Afribary, 15 Oct. 2024, https://tracking.afribary.com/works/research-on-the-community-action-to-end-child-early-and-forced-marriage-other-harmful-practices-against-women-and-girls-project-caecefm-in-cross-river-and-jigawa-state. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.
Ogabiela, Daniel, CWSI , Palladium and JADA Africa . "RESEARCH ON THE COMMUNITY ACTION TO END CHILD, EARLY, AND FORCED MARRIAGE OTHER HARMFUL PRACTICES AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS PROJECT (CAECEFM) IN CROSS RIVER AND JIGAWA STATE". Afribary, Afribary, 15 Oct. 2024. Web. 22 Dec. 2024. < https://tracking.afribary.com/works/research-on-the-community-action-to-end-child-early-and-forced-marriage-other-harmful-practices-against-women-and-girls-project-caecefm-in-cross-river-and-jigawa-state >.
Ogabiela, Daniel, CWSI , Palladium and JADA Africa . "RESEARCH ON THE COMMUNITY ACTION TO END CHILD, EARLY, AND FORCED MARRIAGE OTHER HARMFUL PRACTICES AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS PROJECT (CAECEFM) IN CROSS RIVER AND JIGAWA STATE" Afribary (2024). Accessed December 22, 2024. https://tracking.afribary.com/works/research-on-the-community-action-to-end-child-early-and-forced-marriage-other-harmful-practices-against-women-and-girls-project-caecefm-in-cross-river-and-jigawa-state