Officials and partners assess progress on a five-year strategy aimed at protecting millions of girls from early unions.
Niger's Ministry of Population, Social Action, and National Solidarity launched a mid-term review of its National Strategic Plan to End Early Marriage (PSNME) 2024-2028 in Niamey. The two-day workshop, attended by traditional leaders, experts, and partners like UNICEF and UNFPA, aims to evaluate the plan's first two years, identify challenges and effective approaches, and set priorities for 2026-2028. This review aligns with activities for the International Day of the Girl.
Despite a decrease in early marriages, with 64.9% of women aged 20-24 married before 18 in 2021 compared to 76.3% in 2012, the issue remains a significant challenge. The PSNME, launched in 2024 with UNICEF and UNFPA support, focuses on four key areas: institutional and legal frameworks, community mobilization and social norm change, family dialogue and empowerment of girls, and access to quality education, health, and protection services. The plan aims to protect approximately three million girls aged 10 to 18.
The review seeks to examine the plan's execution between 2024 and 2025, learn from its implementation, and define priority actions for 2026-2028. A UNICEF official noted encouraging progress in girls' rights through combined efforts, emphasizing the need for broad community engagement. Initiatives like "Sultanates and Cantons Friendly to Children" support girls' schooling and prevent early marriage, reflecting a government commitment to child protection and human development.
Why it mattersThe government's strategic plan aims to protect approximately three million girls aged 10 to 18 from early marriage and pregnancy.
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