Coalition of Civil Society Takes a Stand Against Child Marriage in Nigeria
On the 18th of September, 2023, a momentous event took place at the ROTDOW office in Nigeria. The Coalition of Civil Society on Ending Child Marriage convened, bringing together dedicated individuals and organizations from across the state to address the urgent issue of child marriage. Trinity and Oluwabukola, representing their organization (Kids and Teens Resource Centre), joined forces with fellow civil society organizations (CSOs) to work towards a common goal.
The event commenced with Trinity leading the opening prayer, setting the tone for a productive and meaningful gathering. Mrs. Omolona, a key member of the coalition, expressed her gratitude to all those in attendance. She also extended a special thanks to Mr. Kolawole Olatosimi, the Co-chair of the coalition, for his unwavering support.
Mr. Olatosimi took the floor and addressed the eager audience. Here he emphasized the significance of this inaugural meeting, which marked a significant milestone for the coalition. He highlighted that while previous interactions were virtual, this gathering allowed for face-to-face collaboration. He introduced the coalition as a unified force comprising various civil society organizations from different parts of the country.
The primary objective of the coalition is to coordinate the efforts of its members in ending child marriage in Nigeria. By working together, the coalition aims to amplify their impact and ensure a national representation. Additionally, the coalition is affiliated with a global partner on child marriage known as Girls not Brides. This global partner, operates in nearly 100 countries. Although there is currently an embargo on Girls not Brides in Nigeria, Mr. Olatosimi expressed hope that continued activities would lead to the embargo being lifted within the next 1 or 2 years. At that time, the coalition’s name would change to Girls not Brides Nigeria.
Mr. Olatosimi shared the numerous benefits of being a member of the coalition. These include the opportunity to collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and gaining. This will in turn give us recognition at the global and regional levels and access to various capacity-building training programs. He emphasized the importance of collective action and encouraged collaboration among the coalition members. The meeting also provided an opportunity for questions and answers, facilitating a deeper understanding of the coalition’s objectives and activities.
As the meeting drew to a close, the participants came together for a group photograph, symbolizing their unity and determination in the fight against child marriage. This captivating image serves as a reminder of the collective effort and shared commitment to protect the rights and well-being of children in Nigeria.
The Coalition of Civil Society on Ending Child Marriage in Nigeria has taken a bold step forward. This will bring together dedicated individuals and organizations to combat child marriage. With a clear mandate, strong affiliations, and a vision for the future, this coalition is poised to make a significant impact. By working together, they aim to eradicate this harmful practice. Ensuring a brighter and safer future for the children of Nigeria.
