Ending the Abuse of the Girl Child in Nigeria

By: OMOREGBEE, Deborah Adesuwa

 

 

The girl child is a very important and prominent figure in every society. She is a mother, professional, leader, creator, and a developer. However, despite her boundless potential. 

Many girls in Nigeria continue to face various forms of abuse that rob them of their dignity and makes them face times of regret in life,childhood, education, and future. We do what is right by protecting our girl child from abuse and it also helps us achieve a better country and sustainable Nigeria. 

The efforts of our families, schools, communities, societies, government agencies, and religious groups can bring an end to the abuse of girl child in every society if matters are being handled the right way.

No matter the age a girl child is, if abused it will be hard for the child to gain the ability to express herself in any society. In Nigeria today the abuse of a girl child takes many parts, such as early marriage,denial of education, neglect of parents, domestic violence etc.

 

One of the major forms of abuse is child marriage. Many  young girls are being forced into marriages by their parents,which they never wanted even though they are not physically, emotionally, or mentally prepared. Many mothers force their children into early marriages due to their selfish desires and what they want to gain. Young girls who become mothers at a very young age find it difficult to give birth, some might die along the line and some might end up in poverty.

 

Sexual abuse is another serious challenge facing the girl child in Nigeria. Cases like rape, sexual abuse by family members and sometimes friends trusted and exploitation have become very alarming in the country and society at large. Sadly, due to fear, shame and inadequate home training some girls will not be able to talk out so as to claim justice for them. 

 

Child labour also deprives many girls of their rights. Instead of training them to school, many of them end up doing jobs that are way not close to their gender, some turn into street hawkers or farm workers. Some are forced to do jobs that the conditions are not acceptable but with no choice due to lack of funds they still go into the same.

Educating a girl child is one of the major benefits of a girl child in the society. But unfortunately, many Nigerian girls are denied access to good education because of poverty, insecurity, or family preferences. Some even home school their children due to fear. When girls are educated, they hold a ground in the society, become economically independent, and capable of making suitable and beneficial decisions for themselves. Most educated women also contribute significantly to the society by giving healthcare services, reducing poverty and taking care of the family.

The abuse of a girl child does not just affect her but the society and her family. It leads to the increase of poverty, causes health problems, reduces job opportunities and education. When a girl is not protected it makes society lose their talent and skills.

 

Ending the abuse of the girl child in the country requires a legalized protection and effective agencies of law.The government should ensure investigations of the offenders, punished and maybe put to jail . Laws that protect the lives of children should be kept nationwide for protecting children's rights, while law enforcement agencies and police should be trained to handle cases like this in cases being detected.

 

Parents and guardians also have an important role to playing the life of their girl child . They must provide an environment that’s safe, loving, and supportive for them, where the girl child can grow without fear of violence or discrimination in the country. Parents should always encourage their daughters to always go to school and speak up when a stranger makes moves of abuse. Families are also encouraged to encourage their daughters to say “NO” to unwanted behavior.

School authorities should make sure children learn in a safe environment without bullying and abuse. Teachers should always keep an eye on the children and always listen to them if they report any case of abuse to them. School counselors should also teach children of their rights.

 

Traditional rulers, church leaders and community groups also have an important role to play in the life of a girl child. They should make know to the community the danger of child abuse so that precautions will be taken by the citizens, speak against harmful cultural practices, and the value of every girl child. Public awareness campaigns will also help people change the wrong belief that allows violence against the girl child.

 

Non- governmental organizations (NGOs) and some international agencies should continue to support programs that provide education, health care, counseling etc. They should also work with the government to prevent child abuse and also provide help to girls that has been abused. 

I think with all of these if efforts and good work is out by the government we will get a better and safer country. 

 

In conclusion, the girl child protection in the society or country at large is important in building a peaceful and better country. Every girl child has the right to live free from abuse, discrimination and fear. They are also privileged to have access to good education,health care, safety and equal opportunities and also to achieve her dreams.

Protecting the girl child should be the priority of the society and the parents, not just the government. When we work together to protect the girl child, we build a brighter and a better future for Nigeria.