In Nigeria and also in Africa generally, early child marriage is a norm that has been in practice for many years where a girl child is being given a hand in marriage at her early age, mostly before the age of 18.

Regardless of the physical and emotional wellbeing of a girl child, many parents, however, have continually been giving out their young girls in marriage. While this may be related to poverty, it’s a human rights violation which needs to stop.

Here are the consequences of child marriage.

Limited freedom

A little girl who has been forced into marriage would get little freedom to do what every girl of her age would do. Marriage will deprive her a future in which she can reach her full potential in life and also have limited time to hang out with friends since she has got to take big responsibility she is not matured for.

Not physically and emotionally ready to become a wife

Many young girls that are forced into early marriage are mostly not physically or emotionally ready to become a wife. Since they are too young to be emotionally connected to their partners, they may sometimes feel isolated or even traumatized as there has been news of some of these girls committing suicide.

Likewise, they are s3xually assaulted even when they have not physically come of age for s3x. This may result in permanent internal damage of organs that may lead to death or barrenness.

Risk of pregnancy and childbirth complication

Complications during pregnancy and childbirth can result in the premature death of either mother or child or even both. When a girl’s body has not fully developed to give birth, it may lead to miscarriage or labour difficulties.

Limited access to education and economic opportunities

When a girl is married at an early age, it automatically limits her access to education especially when she is pregnant or already nurturing a baby. Her husband may prohibit her from school in order to take care of the children or housework.

In addition, her economic opportunity is limited and she is likely to earn less when compared to the educated ones.