Bugau:In Bugau, a community in Kaduna’s Kubau Local Government Area, young mothers are reclaiming their education despite the challenges posed by early marriages. In a modest classroom, women in colorful hijabs, with toddlers on their laps, focus intently on their lessons, eager to learn and improve their literacy skills in both Hausa and English.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, early marriage is prevalent in Bugau and surrounding areas, with girls often married off as soon as they reach puberty. Many families in the community prioritize education for boys while girls are expected to marry and care for their families. This cultural norm has left a significant number of girls, like Basira Isah and her peers, with limited educational opportunities.
Basira Isah, married at 13, had her education interrupted due to a lack of teachers in her primary school. She recalls helping her mother sell ‘kunu’ at the market after dropping out. Eventually married off to a suitor chosen by her father, she resisted but had no choice. Her story mirrors that of other girls like Hadiza Danjuma and Zainab Shehu, who were also forced to abandon their education for marriage.
The initiative to educate these young mothers was bolstered by the Participatory Communication for Gender Development (PAGED) Initiative, an NGO advocating for gender inclusivity and educational opportunities for marginalized groups. Inspired by the NGO’s training, Basira, Hadiza, and Zainab have become champions of education in their community, encouraging other married women to return to school.
The community’s traditional leader, Malam Ibrahim Adamu-Bugau, supports this educational revival. He allowed classes to be held in his home when space became an issue. Although finding a permanent classroom remains a challenge, the community is determined to provide necessary resources and additional teachers to accommodate the growing number of learners.
The educational program, which began in February, has already shown remarkable progress. Women who previously struggled with literacy can now read and write, enhancing their daily lives. Habiba Ibrahim and Asiya Muhammed, participants in the program, have shared their experiences of newfound skills such as reading phone numbers and writing shopping lists, which have empowered them in their roles as mothers and community members.
This grassroots effort is a testament to the resilience and determination of these young women, who despite societal and cultural barriers, are forging a path to education and empowerment.