Nigeria’s fight against child marriage took a significant step forward as NGOs, state actors, and key stakeholders gathered in Ilorin for an intensive three-day non-residential capacity-building workshop. This workshop, organized for members of the National Coalition to End Child Marriage in Nigeria, focused on strengthening advocacy efforts, enhancing policy engagement, and equipping participants with the necessary tools to drive real change.
A Major Milestone: Presentation of Stakeholders Analysis Report and Policy Brief
One of the workshop’s highlights was the presentation of the coalition’s Stakeholders Analysis Report and Policy Brief on Child Marriage. The National Co-chair, Mr. Kolawole Olatosimi, officially handed over these critical documents to Honourable Joana Kolo, Adviser to the Executive Governor of Kwara State on Girls Empowerment. The event also witnessed the presence of the representative of the Commissioner for Women’s Affairs, further reinforcing the government’s commitment to addressing child marriage issues. This moment marked a crucial step in ensuring that policy decisions are backed by data-driven insights and strategic recommendations.
The policy brief provides an in-depth analysis of child marriage trends, the effectiveness of existing interventions, and actionable recommendations for government and civil society actors. By engaging key decision-makers, the coalition aims to push for stronger policies and more effective implementation strategies to combat child marriage in Nigeria.
Building Capacity, Strengthening Advocacy
The three-day workshop was designed to empower coalition members with knowledge and skills to amplify their advocacy. Participants engaged in:
Stakeholder mapping and engagement strategies to identify key allies in the fight against child marriage.
Data-driven advocacy training to improve policy influence and program development.
Effective communication techniques to enhance messaging and public engagement.
Collaborative action planning to ensure sustainable advocacy beyond the workshop.
The Power of Collective Action
The workshop underscored the importance of collaborative action in addressing the complex issue of child marriage. By bringing together a diverse group of advocates, policymakers, and grassroots organizations, the coalition is building a strong network committed to ending child marriage in Nigeria.
The enthusiasm and commitment displayed by participants reflected a shared vision—one where every child has the right to education, empowerment, and a future free from the constraints of early marriage. The workshop may have ended, but the journey towards policy transformation and societal change continues.
Moving Forward: From Advocacy to Impact
As the coalition moves forward, the focus remains on translating advocacy into tangible impact. By leveraging the insights from the stakeholders’ analysis and policy brief, the coalition will continue to push for policy reforms, mobilize communities, and engage government authorities to ensure that child marriage becomes a thing of the past.
The fight grows stronger when we unite! 💡🚀 Let’s keep the fire burning and turn our collective advocacy into a lasting impact.
Stay connected for more updates on the coalition’s efforts and how you can be part of the movement to end child marriage in Nigeria!
