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| UCC CEGRAD child marriage and gender equality symposium. |
The Centre for Gender Research, Advocacy and Documentation (CEGRAD) has reaffirmed its commitment to combatting the growing issue of child marriage in Ghana. Highlighting the devastating impact on young girls, CEGRAD officials have called for urgent action to address the problem, framing it as a critical national issue requiring immediate attention.
In a recent adult symposium held in the Cape Coast Metropolis, CEGRAD aimed to raise awareness about the dangers of child marriage and the importance of protecting adolescent rights. The theme of the symposium, “Child Marriage and Adolescent Rights and Gender Equality,” underscored the significance of empowering young girls to pursue education, vocational training, and emotional readiness before entering marriage.
Professor Eunice Fay Amissah, Director of CEGRAD, delivered a passionate address, urging parents to reconsider the practice of child marriage. She explained that child marriage, defined as any union involving a person under the age of 18, severely disrupts the lives of young girls, robbing them of opportunities for education, health, and a promising future. “Child marriage which occurs when a person is forced into marriage or a union before the age of 18, is a harmful traditional practice that robs girls of their education, their health and future,” she said.
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| Prof. Eunice Fay Amissah (left), Director of CEGRAD, and Mrs. Richlove Amamoo (right), Central Regional Director of the Department of Gender |
Prof. Amissah urged parents to provide their daughters with the necessary resources to grow, whether through education or vocational training, before allowing them to enter marriage. She emphasized the need for collective action from all sectors of society to break the cycle of poverty linked to child marriage and to ensure that girls are empowered and equipped to make informed decisions about their future.
Speaking at the event, Mrs. Richlove Amamoo, the Central Regional Director of the Department of Gender, also shed light on the grave consequences of child marriage. She stated that the practice not only robs young girls of their childhood but also hinders their access to essential rights, perpetuating cycles of poverty in families.
Engagement and Commitment to Change
The symposium also featured a participatory workshop for teenage girls, where they learned about their rights and the importance of delaying marriage until they are fully prepared for such a commitment. The teenage participants expressed their newfound understanding of the dangers of child marriage and pledged to educate their peers and communities, amplifying the message of gender equality and empowerment.With the collective efforts of CEGRAD, government agencies, and local communities, there is hope that Ghana can take a significant step towards eradicating child marriage, ensuring a brighter future for all girls.
Article Sources/References: CEGRAD-UCC Intensifies Efforts to End Child Marriage | University of Cape CoastCLICK HERE FOR MORE NEWS
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