THE PERSISTENT INCIDENCE OF GENDER INEQUALITY AND CHILD MARRIAGE IN NIGERIA
THE PERSISTENT INCIDENCE OF GENDER INEQUALITY AND CHILD MARRIAGE IN NIGERIA

Summary/Abstract: The persistent incidence of gender inequality and child marriage in Nigeria calls for concern. This study, therefore, examined gender inequality and child marriage in Nigeria. The objective of the study is to identify socio-cultural factors responsible for gender inequality and child marriage, ascertain the desirability of child marriage and gender inequality, and enumerate the consequences of child marriage and gender inequality in Nigeria. The study sample was selected from two major cities through a mix of purposive sampling and stratified random sampling. A combination of questionnaires and semi-structured interviews was used to elicit responses from respondents. The result of the test of the hypothesis established a positive linear correlation between gender inequality and child marriage with a correlation coefficient of r = 0.25496. Traditions, religion, poverty, and illiteracy were identified as socio-cultural determinants of gender inequality and child marriage. Beyond these factors, docility and dogmatism were found to influence child marriage as individuals who are educated and wealthy are also involved in child marriage. The study, therefore, recommends re-orientation and sensitization of the people about the demerits of gender inequality and child marriage. State Governments in northern Nigeria are encouraged to domesticate the child rights acts.

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