[afro-nets] Born to be infected: We still can't protect our girls (2)

["Eleanor Fadiya" <temieleanor@yahoo.com>]

Born to be infected: We still can't protect our girls (2)
--------------------------------------------------------

Your article is quite touching but I?m worried about the solution preferred - "mutual respect"
   
In as much as this is also valid amongst other measures being put in place e.g. abstinence, condoms, etc; what I hear you say loudly in your article is ?How can we break down some of the cultural norms/laws that infringes on the right of the Nigerian female?" ?How can the government assist in enforcing these laws"? "Where can the female Nigerian/ African girl seek succor from such age-old cultural norms/laws?". 
   
The fight against female circumcision improved because the interest of the elderly was not at stake in this old tradition, however for teenage marriage, this may be one tough fight because of the stakeholders' (the elderly) interest. it may surprise you to know that even the literate elderly men encourage such in northern Nigeria.
   
My candid suggestions for your center is to 
  1. Have succor centers at strategic places in the north where these girls can seek help when faced with such harassment from either parents or folks.
  2. Educate girls in northern Nigeria on their rights, Sex and HIV/AIDS
  3. Educate parents on the risk of teenage marriage
  4. Prosecute parents involved in such practice if found guilty of teenage marriage.
   
Mutual respect is a good campaign if only we can make girls appreciate who they really are and the rights they've got to fight against such traditions that infringes on the rights of Nigerian girls.
   
Eleanor Fadiya
mailto:temieleanor@yahoo.com