Niger also has one of the world’s highest rates of child marriage. About 24% of girls will be married by the time they are 15. That rises to nearly 80% by the age of 18. It is a social phenomenon that affects all significant ethnic groups in Niger and is rooted in poverty and the overall position of women in society.
Plan International Niger is working to reduce early marriage by partnering with traditional leaders and community members. We have set up committees which report instances of child abuse and early marriage and organise training sessions on the dangers of early marriage and promote sexual and reproductive health. Cases of abuse and early marriage are subsequently falling in the communities where we work.
