The Borno State chapter of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) , has revealed that women represent 60% of estimated 700,000 out-of- college kids in Borno State.
The revelation was contained in a press assertion issued yesterday by NAWOJ by way of its Chairperson, Fatima Zannah Mustapha and the Secretary, Elizabeth Ameh respectively, to commemorate the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child, noticed underneath the theme: “End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls’ Rights!”
The assertion famous that regardless of ongoing authorities interventions, the woman little one in Borno continues to face daunting challenges stemming from over a decade of insurgency, displacement, and socioeconomic hardship.
According to the affiliation, greater than 10 years of battle within the North-east area have severely broken college infrastructure and displaced 1000’s of households.
NAWOJ additional famous that the battle has been additional compounded by dangerous cultural practices, and poverty, which collectively deny younger women entry to schooling.
NAWOJ additionally highlighted the persistent risk of kid marriage within the area, warning that it severely curtails women’ academic alternatives and exposes them to crucial well being dangers, resembling Vesicovaginal Fistula (VVF).
“Globally, over 12 million girls are married yearly, about one every three seconds, with one in five married before age 18, and Sub-Saharan Africa bearing the highest prevalence at 31 percent,” the assertion learn.“Yet, 68 million child marriages have been averted in the last 25 years through education and legal reforms.”
NAWOJ recommended the Borno State Government underneath Governor Babagana Umara Zulum for its efforts towards rebuilding insurgency-damaged faculties, implementing the Adolescent Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) programme, and enhancing maternal well being companies throughout the state.
However, the group emphasised that extra focused, sustained motion is urgently required to guard and empower weak younger women.
NAWOJ referred to as for sustained political will to implement little one safety insurance policies and academic reforms; elevated funding for girl-led organisations addressing localised challenges.
Targeted help interventions for women affected by poverty, displacement, and armed battle, in addition to second-chance schooling initiatives particularly tailor-made for married adolescent women who dropped out because of poverty or lengthy distances to varsities.
Reiterating its dedication to advocacy, the affiliation acknowledged that it’ll proceed leveraging its media platforms to lift consciousness on women’ rights, amplify their voices, and maintain related authorities keen for implementing insurance policies designed to safeguard the woman little one.
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