Lost Dreams: The Plight of Abia’s Girl Child in the Face of Rape and Harassment
This report is one of a comprehensive series of 19 articles that will be stemming from a rigorous five-month study conducted last year. So far, we have published just 3! The study, which spanned from June to November, 2024, focused on five locations: Aba, Umuahia, Isukuwato, Abiriba, and Ohafia.
Our research team engaged with a total of 500 individuals across these locations, with a remarkable 357 participants responding to our surveys. Unfortunately, 143 individuals declined to participate. Despite this, our analysis revealed significant insights into the lives of teenage girls in these areas.
As part of the our study, we identified several factors contributing to the dropout rate of teenage girls from secondary schools. These factors include poverty, rape, early consensual sex, cultural and social norms, early marriage, lack of access to sanitary facilities, and bullying. Our research also highlighted the importance of education in empowering girls and promoting economic mobility. With only three articles published so far, we look forward to sharing the remaining 16 articles, which will provide further insights into the challenges and opportunities faced in our burgeoning communities.
The push factors driving teenage girls out of secondary schools in Aba, Umuahia, Abiriba, and Ohafia are multifaceted and deeply ingrained. Poverty is a significant push factor, as many families struggle to make ends meet, leading to a lack of financial resources to support girls’ education. According to our study, 70% of respondents cited poverty as a major reason for dropping out of school. The economic burden of schooling, including costs associated with uniforms, textbooks, and transportation, can be overwhelming for families living below the poverty line.
Cultural and social norms also play a significant role in pushing girls out of school. In some communities, there is a strong expectation that girls will prioritize domestic roles over education. Our research revealed that 60% of respondents reported being pressured by family members to drop out of school and focus on domestic chores. Additionally, early marriage is a common phenomenon in these areas, with 40% of respondents reporting being forced into marriage before the age of 18. These cultural and social norms perpetuate the notion that girls’ education is not a priority, leading to a lack of investment in their educational pursuits.
The lack of access to sanitary facilities and menstrual hygiene products is another significant push factor. Our study found that 80% of respondents reported missing school during their menstrual periods due to inadequate access to sanitary facilities and products. This not only disrupts their education but also perpetuates the stigma and shame associated with menstruation. Furthermore, bullying and harassment in schools can also push girls out of education. Our research revealed that 50% of respondents reported experiencing bullying or harassment in school, leading to feelings of insecurity and low self-esteem. These push factors are interconnected and can have a cumulative effect, ultimately driving teenage girls out of secondary schools in Aba, Umuahia, Abiriba, and Ohafia.
The pull factors drawing teenage girls away from secondary schools in Aba, Umuahia, Abiriba, and Ohafia are equally compelling and multifaceted. Economic opportunities, albeit limited and often informal, can be a significant pull factor. Our research revealed that 55% of respondents reported being drawn to trading or entrepreneurship as an alternative to education. The allure of earning a steady income, no matter how meager, can be overwhelming for girls from impoverished backgrounds. Furthermore, the lack of career guidance and counseling in schools can leave girls without a clear understanding of the opportunities available to them, making economic opportunities outside of education seem more appealing.
Peer pressure and social influence also play a significant role in pulling girls away from education. Our study found that 60% of respondents reported being influenced by friends or peers who had dropped out of school. The desire to fit in and be part of a social group can be a powerful pull factor, especially for girls who may be struggling academically or feeling disconnected from their school community. Additionally, the lack of positive role models and mentors can leave girls without a clear understanding of the benefits of education, making it easier for them to be swayed by negative influences.
Entertainment and leisure activities can also be a significant pull factor, particularly in an era where social media and technology are increasingly accessible. Our research revealed that 45% of respondents reported spending more time watching movies, playing games, or browsing social media than studying or attending school. The instant gratification and escapism offered by these activities can be a powerful draw, especially for girls who may be experiencing stress, boredom, or disengagement from their educational pursuits. These pull factors can be insidious, slowly drawing girls away from education and into alternative pursuits that may not offer the same long-term benefits.
Non-consensual sex is a devastating reality for many teenage girls in Aba, Umuahia, Abiriba, and Ohafia. Our study revealed that 30% of respondents reported experiencing rape or sexual assault, with many cases going unreported due to fear, shame, or stigma. The perpetrators are often individuals in positions of power or trust, such as teachers, family members, or community leaders. The trauma and emotional distress caused by non-consensual sex can lead to a range of negative consequences, including dropout from school, mental health problems, and unintended pregnancies.
The lack of support systems and services for survivors of non-consensual sex exacerbates the problem. Many girls reported feeling isolated and unsupported, with limited access to counseling, medical care, or legal recourse. The cultural and social norms that perpetuate silence and stigma around non-consensual sex must be challenged and changed. Schools, communities, and governments must work together to create safe and supportive environments for girls, provide access to comprehensive sex education and services, and hold perpetrators accountable for their actions. By doing so, we can begin to address the scourge of non-consensual sex and ensure that all girls have the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential.
Early consensual sex is a pressing concern among teenage girls in Aba, Umuahia, Abiriba, and Ohafia. Our research revealed that 40% of respondents reported engaging in consensual sex before the age of 18, with many citing peer pressure, curiosity, and lack of comprehensive sex education as contributing factors. This phenomenon is often linked to a range of negative consequences, including unintended pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and emotional distress. Moreover, early consensual sex can also disrupt girls’ education, as they may be forced to drop out of school to care for a child or manage the emotional fallout of a sexual relationship.
The normalization of early consensual sex among teenage girls in these areas is a worrying trend. Many respondents reported that their peers and even some adults viewed early sex as a rite of passage or a symbol of maturity. This cultural narrative can perpetuate the notion that girls are ready for sex at a young age, ignoring the physical, emotional, and psychological risks associated with early sexual activity. Furthermore, the lack of comprehensive sex education in schools and communities means that girls are often ill-equipped to make informed decisions about their sexual health and well-being.
To address the issue of early consensual sex, it is essential to implement comprehensive sex education programs that provide girls with accurate and age-appropriate information about their bodies, relationships, and sexual health. Additionally, community-based initiatives that promote healthy relationships, self-esteem, and life skills can help girls develop the confidence and resilience needed to make informed decisions about their sexual lives. By working together, we can create a supportive environment that empowers girls to delay sex until they are physically, emotionally, and psychologically ready.
Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has expressed deep concern over the alarming rate of girl child dropout from secondary schools in the state. This concern is evident in his administration’s efforts to address the root causes of this issue. According to recent reports, poverty, early marriage, and pregnancy are among the leading factors contributing to the high dropout rate among girls in Abia State.¹
To combat this issue, Governor Otti has declared free and compulsory education for all children in Abia State, effective from January 2025.² This initiative aims to cover education from Primary 1 through Junior Secondary School 3 in all public schools across the state. By providing free education, the government hopes to reduce the financial burden on families, particularly those from low-income backgrounds, and encourage more girls to stay in school.
The governor’s decision to make education free and compulsory is a significant step towards addressing the challenges faced by girls in Abia State. By providing access to quality education, the government can help empower girls, improve their socio-economic prospects, and reduce the likelihood of early marriage and pregnancy. Furthermore, the government has also vowed to punish parents or guardians who fail to send their children to school, effective from January 1, 2025.³ This measure aims to ensure that all children, including girls, have access to education and are able to complete their studies without interruptions.
Dr Chukwuemeka Ifegwu Eke writes from the University of Abuja Nigeria.
