Fatshimetrie, September 15, 2024 – A commendable initiative has emerged in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, where young adolescent girls were sensitized during a day of sharing on the prevention of early marriage. The “Helena la providence” school in the commune of Ngaliema hosted this crucial event, aimed at educating and informing adolescent girls about the risks and harmful consequences of early marriage.
Pélagie Kamoni, Supernimaire of the school, stressed the importance of dissuading young girls from getting married before completing their studies, highlighting the negative repercussions on their health and well-being. She stressed that early marriage can disrupt the educational path of adolescent girls and expose them to unwanted risks.
The life education teacher, Ms. Nadine Kasongo, highlighted the reasons that push some families to marry their daughters prematurely, including poverty and destitution. She stressed that this phenomenon is an obstacle to development, depriving young girls of the opportunity to pursue a quality education and flourish in society.
To combat the scourge of early marriage, it is essential to raise awareness among young girls, encourage them to stay in school and pursue their dreams. The NGO “Jeunes de l’avenir”, represented by its coordinator, Ms. Esperance Bamanisa, is committed to supporting young girls in their fight against this harmful phenomenon.
It is necessary to implement concrete actions to prevent early marriage, by offering young girls opportunities for education and empowerment. By investing in girls’ education, encouraging them to assert themselves and claim their rights, Congolese society will be able to move towards a more inclusive and egalitarian future for all.
By raising awareness among young adolescent girls and encouraging them to stay in school, we are helping to build a more just and equitable society, where everyone has the opportunity to fulfil their potential and contribute to collective progress. The fight against early marriage is a crucial issue that requires the involvement of all actors in society to ensure a better future for future generations.